David Benavidez Promoter Reacts to Dmitry Bivol Vacating WBC Title

On April 7, Dmitry Bivol’s status as undisputed light heavyweight champion was over with his team notifying the WBC that he had decided to vacate that belt and was withdrawing from the scheduled purse bids for an intriguing mandatory defence against interim champion David Benavidez. Benavidez’s promoter Sampson Lewkowicz had made it clear he wanted to make Benavidez-Bivol. Still, after Bivol decided to vacate, Lewkowicz offered his thoughts on the decision, when speaking to Dan Rafael at Fight Freaks Unite.

Lewkowicz Reacts to Dmitry Bivol WBC Decision

Lewkowicz Weighs In on Bivol’s Choice

The decision of Bivol to vacate signals his intention to face Artur Beterbiev in a trilogy match-up, leaving David Benavidez to be elevated to the full WBC light heavyweight champion.

In a letter sent by Patrick English to WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman, it said: “Mr. Bivol has been placed in a position where, unfortunately, he is being forced to relinquish the World Boxing Council Light Heavyweight Title.”

“Everyone in boxing knows that there is a commitment for a third bout with Artur Beterbiev, generally considered the second best light heavyweight in boxing. We are working to consummate that bout.

“In addition, we are dismayed at the inability of the ratings organizations to adhere to the rotation system set up many years ago. You are aware that the IBF has claimed to be the lead organization, with justification, for the next Bivol bout.”

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The WBC’s decision to order the mandatory defence appears to have angered team Bivol as IBF mandatory Michael Eifert, who agreed to step aside to permit Bivol-Beterbiev II, was next on the mandatory defence rotation.

Further explaining their decision, English (Bivol’s lawyer) wrote: “We wish to be courteous to those involved in the potential purse bid scheduled for (Tuesday).”

“Thus we notify you of the relinquishment of the belt before that time so people will not incur needless travel expenses. Mr. Bivol appreciates such courtesies from the WBC as were accorded him in the past.”

Sulaiman made it clear via his X account what he thought of the decision, but regardless, it appears we will get Bivol-Beterbiev III.

Lewkowicz Eyes the Trilogy Winner for David Benavidez

Lewkowicz offered his thoughts to Fight Freaks Unite regarding the news of Bivol vacating: “The third Bivol-Beterbiev fight will be another great fight. They have had two entertaining fights but the American public didn’t care,” Lewkowicz told Fight Freaks Unite.

“It only sold 45,000 (pay-per-views in the United States) at ($25.99). Bivol against Benavidez in America would sell much, much more here.

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“He gave up the title because he didn’t want to face Benavidez. He really wants to do the trilogy with Beterbiev. But everybody should know this: We will give the winner the opportunity to get the WBC title back at any time. We are one phone call away to make this fight happen.”

Talking about the future for Benavidez, Lewkowicz said: “We need to negotiate the best challenger possible who has the courage to face him.”