David Benavidez vs Dmitry Bivol has emerged as the front runner main candidate for Benavidez next fight. Here’s why.
Only at the weekend Benavidez dispatched of Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez in a brutal sixth round knockout.
Giving him a reality check and crushing any nonsense or garbage he had in his mind.
Now Benavidez has told Ariel Helwani that a cruiserweight title unification with Jai Opetaia could happen in time but due to politics they are going after the Bivol fight first.
He interestingly added that the promoters work for the fighters now which he is right. They do.
For those new to boxing, for new fans to the sport, here’s why David Benavidez vs Dmitry Bivol is the front runner for all reasons.
Why Bivol vs Benavidez Is Easier to Make Than Benavidez vs Jai Opetaia
Facts only — promoter politics & network alignment
| Factor | Dmitry Bivol | David Benavidez | Jai Opetaia | Why Bivol-Benavidez Is Easier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Promoter | Co-promoted by Matchroom Boxing USA & World of Boxing | Promoted by Sampson Lewkowicz. Aligned with Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) | Co-promoted by Matchroom Boxing & Tasman Fighters | Both Bivol & Benavidez have direct ties to Matchroom founder Eddie Hearn: Bivol signed co-promotional deal with Matchroom; Benavidez’s promoter stated willingness to work with Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn |
| Broadcast Network | Fights exclusively on DAZN per Matchroom deal | PBC events on Prime Video PPV. Recent fight vs Zurdo Ramirez live on DAZN | Fights exclusively on DAZN per Tasman Fighters deal | Bivol already DAZN-exclusive. Benavidez fought on DAZN May 2, 2026. One-network solution exists via DAZN |
| Network Conflict | DAZN | PBC historically Prime Video/Showtime, but DAZN carried Benavidez vs Zurdo | DAZN | No network conflict: Bivol & Benavidez both appeared on DAZN. Benavidez vs Opetaia would be DAZN vs DAZN, but Opetaia’s side has no PBC tie-in |
| Weight Class | Light Heavyweight 175 lbs | Light Heavyweight 175 lbs as of 2024-2025 | Cruiserweight 200 lbs | Bivol-Benavidez at same weight 175 lbs. Benavidez-Opetaia requires Benavidez to move up to 200 lbs or Opetaia to drop to 175 lbs |
| Promoter Willingness | Manager Vadim Kornilov: “look forward to a building relationship with Eddie Hearn and DAZN” | Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz: “I have no problem to work with them [Matchroom/Turki Alalshikh] together” | Matchroom co-promotes Opetaia. No public statement about working with PBC | Public record shows Bivol & Benavidez camps open to working together. No record of Opetaia/PBC collaboration |
| Sanctioning/Title Path | WBA Light Heavyweight Champion | Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Champion, WBC mandatory | IBF & The Ring Cruiserweight Champion | Bivol-Benavidez is WBC mandatory vs WBA champion at 175. Opetaia holds no 175 lb title; would be cross-division |
| Recent Co-Promotion History | Bivol co-promoted by Matchroom since 2019 | PBC and Matchroom have co-promoted before. Lewkowicz: “we can make that together” with Matchroom | Matchroom co-promotes Opetaia since 2023 | Matchroom is common denominator for Bivol & Opetaia, but Benavidez is PBC. PBC-Matchroom bridge already exists via Bivol deal |
That should clear up and explain a bit more what Benavidez was speaking on above in terms of promoters, networks and so on.
To give new fans to boxing an idea of how the big fights are made in professional boxing a bit more.
But who wins Benavidez vs Bivol? That remains to be seen.
A good little scrap at 175 pounds.
