David Benavidez's search for a big fight has hit another snag. The super middleweight star has been trying to get in the ring with Canelo Alvarez for years. Now, he's set his sights on the winner of Dmitry Bivol vs. Artur Beterbiev. But it looks like he'll have to wait a bit longer.
Bivol just beat Beterbiev in their second fight. Now, a third match between them is likely to happen before Benavidez gets his shot. Eddie Hearn, who runs Matchroom Boxing and promotes Bivol, shared this news with BoxingScene.
"Don't forget, that first fight was razor thin, and Turki said, 'I want to see that again.' And to be fair to him, he made it happen in four months. Unbelievable. The second fight was also close, and I think he'll say to Beterbiev that 'You will get your shot... They should run it back, because it's a brilliant fight. We also love Benavidez against Bivol. But for me, it will be the trilogy next."
Turki Alalshikh will make the final call on Bivol's next move. He seems to like the idea of a third Bivol-Beterbiev fight. The first two were close, and fans want to see more.
Beterbiev is 40 years old, so time isn't on his side. But he held his own in the second fight and wasn't far from beating Bivol. Most people think Bivol will win more easily in a third fight.
Hearn admits they'd love to see Benavidez fight Bivol. But it looks like that match-up will have to wait. For now, all eyes are on the potential trilogy between Bivol and Beterbiev.