Benavidez Waits within the Wings: Hearn Justifies Bivol’s Third Beterbiev Combat 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 shortly after he turned his obligatory as a result of he felt he ought to have had a “grace interval” to the place he might 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 now have a contract, and we gave our phrase that we are going to combat Beterbiev once more,” promoter Eddie Hearn stated to Fight Hub TV when requested why he selected to go within the path of a trilogy match between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev slightly 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 trying 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 unhealthy for the game.

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

“His Excellency has executed an amazing job with Dmitry Bivol. We’ve had 4 fights within the Kingdom,” stated 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 need to. A part of that deal was if we win, there might 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 received the WBC world title. You all the time get grace as a champion. It wasn’t like this was ordered method again and Benavidez has been ready. He solely simply beat Morrell, and it’s like, Growth, negotiations.’ Growth, ‘Purse bid.’ Telling folks the general public supply [$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 older 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 in regards to the supply that Dmitry Bivol would obtain?” stated Hearn in regards to the WBC ordering Bivol to defend in opposition to Benavidez. “It’s fairly weird, truly. It’s like attempting 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 supply was $20 million. We now have a contract. We even have our phrase, which is our bond, which we don’t ever go in opposition to, and we [Bivol] might be taking the third combat [with Artur Beterbiev]. We might be combating with His Excellency as a result of he’s given Dmitry his best alternative.”

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

“By the way in which, in my view, 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 crucial that the best fights [translation: Hearn views Bivol-Beteriev as the greatest fight in the sport] within the sport are allowed they usually supercede generally a compulsory obligation,” stated 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.”