WBC Orders Bivol to Face Benavidez by April 8

Dmitry Bivol, the undisputed light heavyweight champion, has been ordered by the WBC to defend his title against the unbeaten David Benavidez, creating a conflict with plans for a trilogy fight against Artur Beterbiev. Despite a successful rematch victory over Beterbiev, fans and the WBC are pushing for Bivol to face Benavidez, whose aggressive style poses a significant challenge to Bivol's tactical approach. Turki Alalshikh, interested in a Bivol-Beterbiev trilogy, may see his plans disrupted if the WBC enforces the mandatory fight, leading to a potential stripping of Bivol's title should he choose to avoid Benavidez. The WBC has set an April 8 deadline for negotiations between Bivol and Benavidez, after which the fight will go to a purse bid if no agreement is reached. This situation leaves Bivol with a difficult decision, as fans grow weary of his bouts with Beterbiev and yearn for fresh competition in the form of Benavidez.