Dmitry Bivol got an $8 million offer to fight David Benavidez. The unified light heavyweight champion has to make a big decision soon.
The WBC told Bivol he needs to defend his championships against Benavidez. They set April 8 as the deadline for both sides to agree on the fight. If they can't make a deal, Bivol will lose his WBC belt.
Bivol's last fight earned him $2.7 million. This new offer is a big jump up. WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman thinks it's a great chance for Bivol:
"Bivol earned 2.7 million in the rematch against Beterbiev. And now he is being offered 8 million to fight Benavidez. So it's also a great opportunity for Bivol."
But Bivol has other options. He could finish his trilogy with Artur Beterbiev. To do that, he'd need to work out a deal with the WBC or give up his title.
There's also pressure from Turki Alalshikh. He wants Bivol to fight Beterbiev again instead of taking on Benavidez. This shows there's some tension between Alalshikh and US boxing promoters.
Sampson Lewkowicz, who promotes Benavidez, says they're ready to make the fight happen:
"Believe me, I'm well prepared with PBC to get the fight, because here in the United States we can make an alliance with them in Las Vegas."
Bivol's choice will affect more than just his career. It could change the whole light heavyweight division. He's got a lot to think about - the money, his titles, and who he wants to listen to.
Whatever Bivol decides, it's clear he's become the fighter everyone wants a piece of in the light heavyweight division. His next move will be watched closely by fans and fighters alike.
