WBC Orders Bivol to Face Benavidez

The World Boxing Council (WBC) has officially ruled that undisputed light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs) must defend his title against David Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs), who currently holds the WBC and WBA interim belts.

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed the ruling.

Benavidez has fought twice at 175 lbs, winning decisions over David Morrell and Oleksandr Gvozdyk. Bivol became the undisputed champion in his last fight, defeating Artur Beterbiev by decision.