Dmitry Bivol has given up his WBC light heavyweight title, losing his status as undisputed champion in the division. This move comes after his recent victory over Artur Beterbiev in February, where he won by majority decision and claimed all four 175lb world titles.
The decision to vacate the WBC belt likely clears the path for a trilogy fight with Beterbiev. The announcement came just before purse bids were set to take place for a mandatory defense against David Benavidez, who had made it clear he wouldn't step aside.
Bivol and Beterbiev have fought twice before, with each man claiming a victory. Beterbiev won their first encounter in October by majority decision, becoming the first undisputed light heavyweight champion. Bivol then evened the score in February, taking all the belts for himself.
After that fight, Bivol spoke about his future plans at the post-fight press conference:
"I think December it will be amazing, maybe earlier. I don't have any preference now to be honest. What people want to see I'm going to take. Maybe we could talk about cruiserweight. I will think about it also, why not.
I have belts here [at light heavyweight]. I need to check cruiserweight. Why not? I'm open for any fight, but today I want to enjoy that I'm undisputed champion.
I want to take care of my health because I have some issues. I want to heal myself and then move forward again. Trilogy, Benavidez, Canelo … As always, I just wait for offer then I say yes."
Bivol mentioned he was open to fights as early as December and even considered moving up to cruiserweight. He also talked about addressing some health issues before deciding on his next move.
Benavidez had become the mandatory challenger for the WBC title after beating Oleksandr Gvozdyk and David Morrell in the past year. He's already claimed the WBC interim belt at 175lbs and could now be elevated to full champion status.
The boxing world will watch closely to see if the trilogy between Bivol and Beterbiev materializes, and what's next for Benavidez in the light heavyweight division.
