David Benavidez thinks a third fight between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev isn't needed. The undefeated WBC light heavyweight champion shared his thoughts on the potential trilogy in a recent interview.
Bivol and Beterbiev have faced each other twice already. Their first clash on October 12 ended with Beterbiev winning by majority decision. Benavidez, however, believed Bivol should've got the nod.
The rematch took place on February 22 in Riyadh. This time, Bivol came out on top, also by majority decision. Two judges scored it for Bivol (116-112 and 115-113), while the third had it a draw (114-114).
Benavidez agreed with the outcome of the second fight. He said Bivol overcame a shaky start and took control as the fight went on.
"I don't even think it should be a trilogy. It should have been over from the second fight because I thought Bivol won the first one. So, if Bivol keeps the same fight, unless Beterbiev does something different with the style, throwing more combinations or whatever, I think it's going to be the same and the same result. I think Bivol comes out on top again."
The "American Monster" pointed out what he sees as a flaw in Beterbiev's style:
"I just noticed that Beterbiev is more of a one-punch guy. He's not someone who's going to throw combinations. He's not going to throw three or four punch combinations that you're not going to be able to see."
Despite talks of a third fight, it's now on hold indefinitely. Beterbiev chose to fight Deon Nicholson in November instead. Bivol's having surgery, and there are money issues and logistical problems in Russia to sort out. The boxing world might have to wait until 2026 for this one to happen.
Meanwhile, Benavidez isn't sitting idle. He'll defend his newly acquired WBC belt (which Bivol vacated) against Anthony Yarde on November 22. The fight's part of 'The Ring IV' event at ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Yarde brings a record of 27 wins (24 KOs) and 3 losses to the ring.
As the light heavyweight division sees these changes, fans can look forward to more action-packed fights in the near future.
