Juan Manuel Marquez wants the WBC to take action against Dmitry Bivol. The former Mexican champion calls for the organization to strip Bivol of his light heavyweight title if he doesn't accept a fight with David Benavidez.
Marquez spoke to ProBox TV about the situation between the undisputed light heavyweight champion and his mandatory challenger. He thinks the WBC should respect Benavidez's status and give him his shot at the title.
"I hope that this is the way it is taken, it is the regulations. Benavidez was promoted and removed to tell him 'I'm going to give you the opportunity' and I think he earned it."
The fighter known as 'Dinamita' during his career believes Benavidez has earned his chance through recent victories. The 'Mexican Monster' has beaten David Morrell, Oleksandr Gvozdyk, and Demetrius Andrade on his way to becoming the number one contender.
Marquez wants to see the fight happen but insists that if it doesn't, the WBC must follow its own rules.
"I would like to see the fight between Bivol and Benavidez. I think the opportunity is there and if not, then the WBC has to enforce its rules. If Bivol does not want to fight Benavidez, who is his official challenger, they should say: 'You know what, Mr. Bivol, we are going to have to strip you of this championship because your official challenger deserves the opportunity.'"
The WBC announced last March that Bivol and Benavidez were in a free negotiation period. If they can't reach an agreement, a purse bid will happen on April 8. There's also a chance Bivol's team might offer Benavidez money to step aside, letting the champion pick another opponent without the WBC's approval.
