Dmitry Bivol's team is in talks with David Benavidez for a fight this summer. The news comes as a surprise, as Bivol had seemingly turned down the "Mexican Monster" before.
ESPN confirmed the negotiations are underway, with PBC and Matchroom set to provide funding for the bout. The move marks a shift from previous expectations, as Turki had been pushing against the fight, saying he wasn't interested and wouldn't put money into it.
PBC faces an uphill battle financially. They can't match Turki's deep pockets, who manages boxing like he's playing a video game career mode and isn't afraid to throw millions at fights. PBC and Matchroom will have to take things step by step to make this work.
An insider in the boxing world shared some juicy details:
"A boxing power just told me that PBC is going to do everything possible to secure and promote Bivol-Benavidez this summer, in an attempt to prove that PBC still has power in the game, and to slow down the strength of Turki."
This fight could mess up Turki's plans, but it's not game over for him. Some fans want to see a Bivol-Beterbiev trilogy to figure out who's the best, even if no belts are on the line. If Benavidez beats Bivol, people might lose interest in a third Bivol-Beterbiev fight, but a Beterbiev-Benavidez matchup could be exciting, especially after Bivol's controversial win.
Bivol's got a lot on the line. He's risking a million-dollar rematch with Canelo if he loses to Benavidez. It's an unexpected turn of events that's got everyone talking and wondering what'll happen next.
