The WBC ordered Bivol to face Benavidez two weeks ago, setting a deadline of April 8 for the fight to be agreed. Benavidez's promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, made it clear they're not backing down.
"This is the only fight that we like. There's no other fight," Lewkowicz told BoxingScene. "Now everybody is talking about Callum Smith. It could happen only for the WBC full title, not for any other thing. There's no more interim championship for Benavidez. He never took a step-aside, and you can send a message to everyone that it will never happen without the full title of the WBC. The loyalty for us is the WBC at this point. We don't need the money and we [will] not kiss any ring."
Benavidez has shifted his focus from Canelo Alvarez to Bivol after both fighters won their bouts on February 1. Bivol defeated Artur Beterbiev on the same card as Benavidez's victory over Morrell.
Despite Benavidez's ultimatum, there's talk of a potential Bivol-Beterbiev trilogy. Promoter Eddie Hearn has mentioned this possibility several times. However, if Bivol chooses this route, he'll risk losing his WBC title and the chance for an undisputed championship bout.
The ball is now in Bivol's court. He must decide whether to face Benavidez and keep his WBC belt or pursue other options at the risk of being stripped. The April 8 deadline looms, adding pressure to an already tense situation in the light heavyweight division.