MOSCOW, July 24 Holder of temporary World Boxing Council champion belts (WBC) in the second middle and light heavyweight division, American David Benavidez will become an opponent of the winner of the fight for the title of absolute world boxing champion between Russians Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, journalist Michael Benson reported, citing the words of WBC head Mauricio Suleiman.
According to Suleiman, Benavidez decided to remain in the light heavyweight division. He will vacate the interim super middleweight belt and become the mandatory challenger for the light heavyweight title. He will meet the winner of the Beterbiev-Bivol fight.
On June 1, in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Bivol was supposed to fight against the world champion according to the World Boxing Council (WBC), the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and the International Boxing Federation (IBF) Artur Beterbiev, however his opponent suffered a torn meniscus. The meeting was rescheduled for October 12.
The 33-year-old Bivol has 23 victories (12 by knockout) and not a single defeat in the professional ring. Beterbiev, 39, has 20 wins in 20 professional fights (all by knockout). The record of 27-year-old Benavidez is 29 victories in 29 fights (24 by knockout).