David Benavidez elevated to WBC light-heavyweight champion
Dmitry Bivol notified the World Boxing Council, through his attorney Patrick English, that he is vacating the WBC light-heavyweight title.
34-year-old Kyrgyzstani fighter Bivol became the undisputed champion at 175lbs by defeating Artur Beterbiev via majority decision in their rematch at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in February.
In doing so, Bivol became the first boxer in a four-belt era to defeat two undisputed champions.
David Benavidez was named his WBC mandatory contender, but it sees that Bivol has relinquished his green and gold belt in favour of a trilogy decider with Beterbiev, reportedly planned for October this year.
‘The Mexican Monster’ Benavidez defended his interim WBC light-heavyweight title also in February, defeating Cuban David Morrell in a tough fight at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The World Boxing Council wished Bivol success in his future and confirmed David Benavidez as the WBC light heavyweight world champion.