Benavidez Confirms Early Talks With Bivol for Undisputed Fight

David Benavidez says he has already begun negotiations with Dmitry Bivol for a potential undisputed fight that could unify all cruiserweight and heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight titles.

The newly crowned WBA and WBO cruiserweight champion told The Porter Way Podcast that talks are underway following his dominant win over Gilberto Ramirez at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Benavidez floated a 190-pound catchweight that would put both divisions' belts on the line, though he remains open to dropping back to 175 if needed. "We're already in talks with that," he said, per The Ring. "That fight is definitely happening."

Timeline Depends on Bivol's IBF Defense

Bivol must first handle his IBF mandatory against Michael Eifert on May 30 in Russia, his first fight since back surgery in August. Benavidez indicated the showdown would not happen in September as originally hoped but more likely toward the end of 2026. "If I do end up fighting him, it's probably not going to be until the end of the year," he said.

The WBC ordered Bivol to face Benavidez early last year, but the Russian vacated his heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight title to chase a trilogy with Artur Beterbiev after splitting two fights. Benavidez, who weighed 196¾ against Ramirez, believes he can make the cut if the sanctioning bodies reject the catchweight idea. "I can still get to 175," he said. "If I get to work now, I can get down to that weight."

Both fighters sit inside the top six of The Ring's pound-for-pound rankings, with Benavidez at No. 5 and Bivol one spot behind. Benavidez holds a 32-0 record with 26 knockouts, while Bivol stands 24-1 with 12 stoppages.

Source: ringmagazine.com