Benavidez Waits within the Wings: Hearn Justifies Bivol’s Third Beterbiev Battle Over WBC-Ordered Obligatory Problem

Promoter Eddie Hearn says his fighter Dmitry Bivol has a contract with Artur Beterbiev for the trilogy, and he couldn’t defend in opposition to his WBC-ordered obligatory David Benavidez. He states that he’d additionally give “his phrase” that Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs) would face Artur subsequent.

(Credit score: Mark Robinson)

Hearn isn’t pleased that the WBC ordered Bivol to defend in opposition to Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs) so rapidly after he turned his obligatory as a result of he felt he ought to have had a “grace interval” to the place he may combat whoever. Hearn doesn’t say what that “grace interval” must be, however given the sort of dough that Turki is paying Bivol, it wouldn’t be stunning if there have been a few years.

“We’ve got a contract, and we gave our phrase that we’ll combat Beterbiev once more,” promoter Eddie Hearn mentioned to Fight Hub TV when requested why he selected to go within the path of a trilogy match between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev quite than matching Bivol in opposition to his WBC-ordered obligatory David Benavidez.

Equity Debate

Bivol and Beterbiev have already fought twice in a row. They’re seeking to combat for the third straight time with out letting one of many contenders get an opportunity at combating for the belt. When fighters hog the titles like that, it’s dangerous for the game.

It’s like having three straight Tremendous Bowls between the identical groups and utilizing the argument that the third sport was needed as a result of the primary two have been break up and thrilling to observe. It’s nonetheless not honest.

“His Excellency has executed an incredible job with Dmitry Bivol. We’ve had 4 fights within the Kingdom,” mentioned Hearn. “After we misplaced an in depth combat in opposition to Artur Beterbiev, His Excellency went out and made the rematch when he didn’t must. A part of that deal was if we win, there will likely be a 3rd combat with Artur Beterbiev.

“So, I used to be very stunned on the velocity of the order. Don’t neglect that Dmitry Bivol had simply gained the WBC world title. You all the time get grace as a champion. It wasn’t like this was ordered means again and Benavidez has been ready. He solely simply beat Morrell, and it’s like, Increase, negotiations.’ Increase, ‘Purse bid.’ Telling folks the general public provide [$8 million to Bivol for Benavidez].”

The WBC would possibly really feel that they owe Benavidez one thing as a result of they didn’t push Canelo Alvarez to defend in opposition to him when he was his obligatory for a strong two years at 168. Additionally, Bivol and Beterbiev have already fought twice. When does it finish? Who’s to say that Turki doesn’t wish to see a fourth combat between them after their trilogy? Within the meantime, Benavidez’s profession is stalled out, ready for these two getting old fighters to let another person get an opportunity

“Has there ever been a time the place somebody from the group [sanctioning body] is publicly telling concerning the provide that Dmitry Bivol would obtain?” mentioned Hearn concerning the WBC ordering Bivol to defend in opposition to Benavidez. “It’s fairly weird, truly. It’s like making an attempt to create strain on him to take the combat [with Benavidez]. The cash is nowhere close to what he’s going to make to combat Beterbiev.

“It doesn’t matter if the provide was $20 million. We’ve got a contract. We even have our phrase, which is our bond, which we don’t ever go in opposition to, and we [Bivol] will likely be taking the third combat [with Artur Beterbiev]. We will likely be combating with His Excellency as a result of he’s given Dmitry his biggest alternative.”

Would Hearn say the identical factor if he promoted Benavidez? He’d be howling angrily, urgent arduous for the ‘Mexican Monster’ to get his mandated title shot in opposition to Bivol.

“By the best way, for my part, it’s very tough for Mauricio [Sulaiman] and the WBC since you’re beneath an enormous quantity of strain from all of the events pushing. It’s essential that the best fights [translation: Hearn views Bivol-Beteriev as the greatest fight in the sport] within the sport are allowed and so they supercede generally a compulsory obligation,” mentioned Hearn.

“For me, Bivol-Beterbiev is the best combat within the division. We’ve seen two of the most effective fights I’ve ever seen. Why wouldn’t you enable a 3rd for undisputed? Everyone has bought their guidelines, we’re the place we’re.”