WBC President: Bivol-Benavidez “Would Be the Best Light Heavyweight Matchup”

The light heavyweight division is stacked with talent Dmitry Bivol, Artur Beterbiev, David Benavidez, David Morrell, Callum Smith but one fight stands out to WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman as the premier matchup: Bivol vs. Benavidez.

“That would be the best light heavyweight fight,” Sulaiman told The Ring. But despite fan interest, the dream bout isn’t close to happening.

Bivol was mandated to defend his WBC title against Benavidez but chose instead to pursue a trilogy with rival Artur Beterbiev. In doing so, he relinquished the belt, and Benavidez was elevated to full champion. Since then, Bivol has undergone back surgery, ruling him out of competition for the rest of 2025.

Benavidez’s Next Step

For now, Benavidez (29-0, 24 KOs) will make his Riyadh Season debut on November 22, defending his WBC crown against two-time challenger Anthony Yarde (27-3, 24 KOs) in the main event of Ring IV in Saudi Arabia, streamed live on DAZN.

Beterbiev’s Role

Meanwhile, former undisputed champion Artur Beterbiev (21-1, 20 KOs), who had been pushing for another showdown with Bivol, will stay active on the undercard against Deon Nicholson. Beterbiev made his displeasure clear about waiting around, but with Bivol sidelined, his attention shifts to maintaining momentum.

What’s Next?

Sulaiman didn’t commit to any immediate matchmaking but left the door open for the future.

“I’m sorry for Bivol being out with an injury, but we will see what happens in the near future,” he said.

For now, fans will have to wait. Benavidez-Yarde and Beterbiev-Nicholson headline November’s Riyadh card, while Bivol recovers. But if Sulaiman gets his wish, the best fight at 175 Benavidez vs. Bivol may still be on the horizon.

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