Artur Beterbiev has not fought since losing his undisputed light-heavyweight world title in a rematch with Dmitry Bivol last February. He has now revealed that he agreed to a fight with David Benavidez until the latter’s team had a change of heart.
Beterbiev became the first undisputed light-heavyweight champion of the four-belt era when he outpointed Bivol in October 2024, but the tables were turned in their rematch four months later, as Bivol claimed the throne.
Ever since, the pair have been linked to a trilogy affair, but many boxing fans seem more interested in a showdown between Bivol and Benavidez, who currently holds the WBC light-heavyweight title as well as the unified cruiserweight world titles.
However, following the WBO’s recent order, it seems as though Bivol may instead fight Liverpool’s Callum Smith if he wishes to retain that belt before he can pursue a clash with either Benavidez or Beterbiev.
As a result, there are suggestions that Benavidez and Beterbiev could meet, with the winner moving on to an undisputed clash with Bivol.
In an interview with Match TV, Beterbiev said that Benavidez’s team recently turned that fight down, despite previously agreeing to the bout following ‘The Mexican Monster’s’ win over Anthony Yarde back in November.
“Benavidez is such a person that talks a lot more than he does. But, we must admit that it is very competently conducted. He’s already a three-weight world champion, but his boxing is dirty and, of course, there are questions about some of his victories.
“He had a fight with Anthony Yarde and I agreed to come out with him after that fight. Apparently, his team didn’t expect me to agree so quickly, so they immediately changed their mind and chose [Zurdo] Ramirez.
“That was a year ago, in general, this has become the norm in boxing – I will box, I will not, I will choose my opponents – I like this one and I don’t like that one. I have a different mentality – it is alien to me.”
At the age of 41, Beterbiev is continuing to train, hopeful of securing the opportunity to take on Bivol for a third time and cement himself as the victor of a trilogy that will be remembered for generations to come.
