Shakur Stevenson has offered his prediction for a potential showdown between Dmitry Bivol and David Benavidez, branding it ‘one of the best fights in the sport of boxing.’
The two light-heavyweight world champions seem to be on different trajectories, with Benavidez teasing a move to cruiserweight and Bivol expected to make a mandatory title defence later this year.
Benavidez was the mandatory challenger to Bivol earlier last year, until the Russian’s decision to vacate his title saw the American get upgraded from interim to full WBC world champion.
This was because Bivol, following his monumental points victory over Artur Beterbiev – to claim the undisputed crown – in February 2025, had been forced to undergo back surgery.
But now, having reportedly made a full recovery, the 35-year-old is widely expected to face IBF mandatory challenger Michael Eifert in the coming months.
Benavidez, meanwhile, has done his very best to remain active, starting 2025 with a points victory against David Morrell before defending his WBC belt with a seventh-round finish over Anthony Yarde in November.
Since then, the 29-year-old has named unified cruiserweight champion Gilberto Ramirez as a likely opponent for him to face in May. He has confirmed that he will look to drop back down to 175lbs after and target both Bivol and Beterbiev.
WBC lightweight champion Stevenson has offered his take on the undisputed matchup, sharing his prediction in an interview with Cigar Talk.
“I think that Benavidez and Bivol is another fight that’s one of the biggest and best fights in the sport of boxing.
“I don’t know if it’s the biggest, but [it’s] one of the best. I’m leaning towards Bivol, but I know it will be tough with Benavidez, with his pressure [and] just his fighting style overall.
“I see it as Bivol being the winner, but it would be close.”
Bivol may look to make a trilogy fight with Beterbiev before facing Benavidez. In truth, any matchup between the three men will be welcomed by fans.
