Dmitry Bivol’s future in the boxing ring is increasingly uncertain, with pivotal decisions looming over his next fight. Frank Smith, the promoter for Bivol, has expressed a notable interest in securing a rematch against the illustrious Canelo Alvarez rather than allowing Bivol to engage in a mandatory title defense against David Benavidez. This inclination raises several questions about Bivol’s trajectory in the sport, considering the implications of both potential fights and their respective challenges.
The allure of a rematch with Canelo, who is significantly more famous and lucrative as a boxing star, is undoubtedly magnetic. Canelo Alvarez, standing at 5’8”, presents a stark contrast in size to the 6’1” Bivol, thereby creating a compelling narrative about advantages in weight and reach. Their first encounter, which took place on May 7, 2022, culminated in Bivol’s unanimous decision victory, a feat that not only showcased his skills but also highlighted the advantages of their size disparity.
While Smith’s preference for a Canelo rematch is understandable from a financial perspective, it also hints at a deeper strategy. Bivol’s victory over Canelo was not only historic but also amplified his brand as a boxing champion; facing the Mexican powerhouse again could not only solidify his legacy but also yield significant revenue. However, Bivol’s mandated defense against Benavidez presents a dilemma that is more formidable than mere finances.
David Benavidez, known for his relentless fighting style and ability to corner opponents, could pose a serious threat to Bivol’s current status as the WBC champion. The stylistic matchup could lead to complications for Bivol, whose success would hinge on defensive prowess and strategic movement—qualities that Benavidez can disrupt due to his high work rate and aggressive style. The looming question is whether Bivol’s skills can hold up against an opponent who is armed with such a formidable fight plan.
Canelo Alvarez has his own ambitions that complicate the potential for a rematch. With a full schedule stacked in 2025, including a fight against IBF champion William Scull for the undisputed super middleweight title and a subsequent bout with Terence Crawford, Canelo may not be as eager to immediately engage with Bivol again. The hesitation from Canelo’s camp emphasizes how the boxing world is intricately intersected with personal plans and timing, indicating that Bivol might be left waiting on the sidelines.
Eddie Hearn, Matchroom’s boss, has been vocal about his intentions to entice Alvarez back into the ring with Bivol, yet the lack of response from Canelo raises doubts. Could Bivol’s aspiration for another chapter with Canelo be nothing more than a pipe dream? As time goes on, the likelihood that Canelo will seriously consider a rematch diminishes, particularly given the hectic calendar that he has ahead.
As Bivol contemplates the possibility of a trilogy with Artur Beterbiev, who he recently defeated, the landscape becomes trickier. Victory against Beterbiev would demand a title defense against Benavidez, effectively forcing a confrontation with a boxer whose style could be a hurdle too high for Bivol. Each option unfolds into a chain reaction of subsequent fights, impacting not just Bivol’s record but his overall legacy.
With Smith openly discussing potential fights against British talents like Callum Smith and Anthony Yarde, Bivol’s promoter underscores the multitude of opportunities available, despite the complexities they might entail. It’s evident Bivol has put in the hard work to reach his current status, but the choice between better financial outcomes and high-stakes risks is one that he, along with his team, will have to navigate carefully.
Dmitry Bivol stands at the crossroads of a pivotal moment in his career. Whether he finds himself squaring off against Canelo Alvarez again, or defending his title against David Benavidez, the decisions made in the coming months will define his future in the boxing world. The stakes are undeniably high, and as the fight landscape continues to evolve, Bivol’s next steps could either solidify his status or throw him into the mix of challenging uncertainties.