Dmitry Bivol has vacated his WBC light heavyweight title, choosing not to fulfill the mandatory defense requirement against challenger David Benavidez. This decision means that David Benavidez is automatically recognized as the new champion for this specific version of the title.
Confirming this development, WBC President Suleiman announced the news on social media platform X. He stated that he received official notification from Bivol`s legal representative, informing the organization of Dmitry Bivol`s decision to relinquish the WBC world light heavyweight championship. Suleiman added that the WBC wishes Bivol well and confirmed Benavidez as the new champion.
This move by Bivol comes after he recently achieved undisputed status in the light heavyweight division in February, following his victory over Artur Beterbiev in their highly anticipated rematch, which unified all major world titles in the weight class.
Tristan Blackwood