American boxer David Benavidez (30-0-0, 24 KOs) is anticipated to soon be granted another mandatory challenger position, this time by the World Boxing Association (WBA), for the undisputed light heavyweight world title held by Dmitry Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs).
Benavidez had previously been designated as the mandatory challenger by the WBC. However, Bivol elected not to defend his WBC title against the American fighter and subsequently vacated that championship belt.
Following his victory over David Morrell in February, David Benavidez secured the WBA `Regular` champion status in the 79 kg weight division. The WBA leadership is expected to imminently establish a deadline by which Bivol must face Benavidez to defend his belt.
Dmitry Bivol currently holds the IBF, WBA, and WBO titles. Reports indicate he is scheduled for a third bout against Artur Beterbiev in October, after which he is targeting a rematch with Saul `Canelo` Alvarez. Considering this busy schedule, it is deemed quite possible that the 34-year-old champion might choose to relinquish yet another championship title rather than fulfill the WBA mandatory defense against Benavidez within the required timeframe.
