Bivol Names Beterbiev, Canelo And Benavidez As Only Big Fights

Dmitry Bivol has listed three opponents he considers worthwhile for 2027: Artur Beterbiev, Canelo Alvarez and David Benavidez.

Bivol must defend his IBF, WBO and WBA heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight titles against Callum Smith on December 12 in Yekaterinburg, Russia.

The 35-year-old returned in May from a 15-month layoff with a unanimous decision over Michael Eifert. A win over Smith could open the door to a Beterbiev trilogy or a rematch with Canelo, who outpointed him in 2022.

Benavidez, who stopped Gilberto Ramirez in round six in May to win the WBO and WBA cruiserweight titles, is expected to remain at 200 pounds. Bivol says he would still take the fight.

“I will tell you which fights are big for me now, and I think people will agree: this is Beterbiev, this is Canelo and this is Benavidez. I think only with these fighters we can make a big fight,” Bivol