Bivol relinquishes WBC belt in favour of taking on Artur Beterbiev in a trilogy fight just days before Benavidez purse bids.
Dmitrii Bivol has opted out of his mandatory defence of the WBC Light Heavyweight championship against David Benavidez.
The Russian star has decided to continue negotiations for a potential trilogy fight with consensus number 2 Light Heavyweight Beterbiev.
Pat English, Bivol’s lawyer, informed the WBC of his decision to give up the WBC Light Heavyweight title.
“Dear President Sulaiman:
As you know this office represents Dimitrii Bivol.
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 to be the second best Light Heavyweight in boxing. We are working to consumate 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.
We wish to be courteous to those involved in the potential purse bid scheduled for tomorrow. 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.”
Bivol’s Letter Not Taken Well By WBC-
It is safe to say Sulaiman and the WBC didn’t take a liking to the letter.
Mauricio Sulaiman took to X yesterday to express his thoughts on Bivol’s decision.
“I have just received a cold and impersonal notification from Dmitry Bivol lawyer, Patrick English, with arguments that are so ridiculous that I rather not discuss informing the WBC that Dmitry Bivol has decided to relinquish his WBC light heavyweight championship.”
In the same tweet Sulaiman confirmed the new WBC champion as David Benavidez.
“We wish Bivol success and hereby confirm David Benavidez as WBC world light heavyweight champion”
The Benavidez promotion has left the Mexican American with mixed feelings.
He took to Instagram to express his delight becoming WBC Light Heavyweight champion.
“Just got the news that Bivol decided to vacate his title, instead of fighting me. Now that makes me the WBC world champion at light heavyweight. This is not the ideal way for me to become world champion but nevertheless I am now the WBC light heavyweight champion of the world, and I intend on putting the best fights.”
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
