Dmitry Bivol, the reigning light heavyweight champion, finds himself at a crossroads in his boxing career. Promoter Frank Smith has openly expressed a preference for Bivol to pursue a rematch with Canelo Alvarez rather than defend his WBC title against the mandatory challenger, David Benavidez. This sentiment underscores a deeper issue in boxing: the clash between lucrative matchups and the requirement to defend titles against top contenders.
For Smith, a rematch against Alvarez is not merely a matter of prestige but rather a financially beneficial opportunity. Given Bivol’s prior success against Canelo—where he secured a decisive 12-round unanimous decision victory on May 7, 2022—there’s a palpable belief that Bivol holds an advantage if these two were to square off again. Canelo, who stands at 5’8″, faced an uphill battle against the 6’1″ Bivol in their previous encounter, where size and reach played critical roles in the bout’s outcome.
In the boxing landscape, rematches generate buzz and can sometimes overshadow mandatory defenses, which may lack the same level of public interest. This is particularly relevant for Bivol, who, with a record of 24 wins and only one loss, is looking to capitalize on his moment in the spotlight. A rematch against the Mexican superstar could serve to further solidify Bivol’s status in the sport while simultaneously delivering a financial boon—something every promoter yearns for.
Conversely, a potential matchup against David Benavidez presents significant challenges for Bivol. Known for his relentless style and ability to cut off the ring, Benavidez poses a unique risk. Having faced a formidable opponent like Artur Beterbiev recently, one can speculate that Bivol may find it difficult to adapt quickly to the style differences presented by Benavidez.
Notably, the upcoming fight against Benavidez isn’t just an ordinary title defense; it’s a daunting stylistic challenge that could result in a harsh reality for Bivol. Benavidez’s high-volume punching and aggressive fighting style have the capacity to overwhelm opponents, as seen in some of his previous fights. The concern here is that while Bivol aims to defend his WBC belt, he could end up in a tough battle that distances him from earning substantial purse opportunities in high-profile bouts.
Alvarez’s busy 2025 schedule adds another layer of complexity to Bivol’s aspirations. Currently, Canelo is slated to face IBF champion Willam Scull for the undisputed super middleweight championship. Following that, he has a significant matchup against Terence Crawford set for September 2025. With this packed agenda, the window for a rematch with Bivol may not be as inviting as it once seemed.
Eddie Hearn, head of Matchroom, has been unyielding in his pursuit of re-engaging Canelo for a rematch against Bivol. However, the lack of enthusiasm on Canelo’s part raises questions about whether that rematch will ever take precedence over his current commitments and ambitions at 168 pounds.
Instead of waiting on Canelo’s whims, Bivol is likely faced with the prospect of another fight against Beterbiev, based on recent discussions. This scenario would encapsulate an ongoing rivalry that could also pave the way for a lucrative trilogy, adding another layer of intrigue to Bivol’s career narrative. While this rematch against Beterbiev could potentially raise Bivol’s visibility, it also requires him to be in peak condition to face such a dangerous opponent, especially given the stakes involved.
Ultimately, Dmitry Bivol sits at a pivotal junction where the choices ahead could define his career trajectory. The allure of a rematch with Canelo Alvarez is tantalizing; however, the necessity to defend against a capable challenger like David Benavidez weighs heavily on him. Bivol must navigate these challenges with tact and strategy while focusing on not just the short-term gains of financial success, but also on long-term legacy in the sport of boxing. As the landscape continues to shift, the decisions he makes will echo far beyond the ring – determining not just titles, but his place in boxing history.