Benavidez on sparring with Bivol: “I wasn’t too impressed”

WBC light heavyweight champion David Benavidez recalled his sparring sessions with former undisputed champion Dmitry Bivol.

“I didn’t go into the sparring thinking there was anything particularly impressive about what he was doing. He moves a lot, keeps his distance, uses the jab, and throws that one-two very well.

I wasn’t too impressed, to be honest. I know he’s a good fighter. But when I face strong opponents, I rise to another level myself. I don’t treat sparring like just training — to me, those are real fights. Anything can happen at any moment.

Those guys are already coming out of their prime, while I’m just entering mine. If the fight doesn’t happen now, it will happen later.

I think Beterbiev is the more entertaining and more difficult opponent. He’s aggressive, comes forward, and keeps applying pressure. With Bivol, you have to chase him down,” said Benavidez.

Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs) is scheduled to return to the ring on November 22 in Saudi Arabia, where he will face Anthony Yarde.