A trilogy bout with Artur Beterbiev may not be next for Dmitry Bivol after all. Julius Julianis of ESPN Knockout reported that Bivol is close to finalizing a deal to fight WBC and WBA secondary titlist David Benavidez this summer.

According to a recent report, light-heavyweight champions Dmitry Bivol and David Benavidez could meet in the boxing ring later this year.

Undisputed light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs) might not be heading into a trilogy bout with Artur Beterbiev next, according to recent reports. Instead, the 34-year-old could be on track to face ‘Interim’ WBC light heavyweight champion David Benavidez.

Dmitry Bivol vs David Benavidez has been rumoured, with reports suggesting a fight is close to being finalized. However, Dan Rafael of Fight Freaks Unite has clarified the negotiation status via his X account.

Sampson Lewkowicz said he would like a fight between his charge, David Benavidez, and light heavyweight king Dmitry Bivol to be a reality, but at present it seems far away, writes Tris Dixon

Canelo knows both Bivol and Benavidez well for different reasons, having stepped up to 175lbs to take on Bivol for his WBA light heavyweight title back in May 2022. It was the Russian who claimed the victory, defeating Alvarez by unanimous decision to become just the second man after Floyd Mayweather to beat the Mexican superstar.