In a perfect world, Interim WBC and WBA [Regular] light heavyweight champion David Benavidez would get his much-deserved shot at undisputed light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol. But we don’t live in a perfect world. So, Benavidez will have to settle for someone else for now! Meanwhile, it appears the Dmitry Bivol vs. Artur Beterbiev trilogy is inevitable.

You see, just the other day, some reports emerged, suggesting Benavidez’s promotion, Premier Boxing Champions, and Bivol’s Matchroom Boxing were in conversation to put together a fight between them over the summer. However, as time passed, more and more evidence revealed that the conversation wasn’t as serious as it was made out to be.

Now, those rumors have been completely debunked by none other than Bivol’s promoter, Eddie Hearn. In a chat with Boxing Scene, the English promoter clarified that the rumors about Benavidez and Bivol were “completely false.” Instead, what Bivol would do next would be dictated by the architect of the Riyadh Season, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, Hearn claimed. And Turki wants the trilogy, and that’s that.

Regardless, Matchroom’s other boxer, Interim WBO light heavyweight champion Callum Smith, seems to have become the topic of conversation. Hearn suggested that there were talks of a fight between Smith and Benavidez. “We’ve had some conversations around Benavidez-Callum Smith,” Hearn said, hinting Smith could be the next name for Benavidez to fight.

Get the EssentiallySports Daily Newsletter. Stay ahead of the game with daily updates, exclusive stories, expert takes, and the biggest moments from the world's most popular sports.

However, Benavidez could get this fight stolen from under his feet. “And around Callum Smith against [David] Morrell as well,” Hearn continued. “I mean, Callum Smith’s in a really good position. He’s mandatory [in the WBO rankings]. He won’t be called just yet, but he’s the interim world champion.” Hearn highlighted Smith’s fantastic performance against Joshua Buatsi, but his shot at Bivol is far away. 

“Unfortunately, when you become undisputed like Bivol, all of these mandatories swing around,” Hearn told Boxing Scene. “They’ve got one with the IBF, they’ve got Benavidez, they’ve got Callum Smith. So yeah, I think the belts will free up over the next 12 months.” It’s worth noting that after Smith’s last fight, Benavidez had expressed interest in the bout.

But do you want to know the most interesting part? Morrell and Benavidez aren’t the only ones chasing Callum Smith.

Oleksandr Gvozdyk joins David Benavidez and David Morrell to demand a fight against Callum Smith

Former light heavyweight champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk is eager to face top contenders, with his sights set on Callum Smith. Gvozdyk is preparing for a tune-up fight on April 19 but wants a showdown with Smith, who recently defeated Joshua Buatsi for the interim WBO title. “Smith vs. Buatsi was a perfect matchup. Both guys showed a good fight to the fans,” Gvozdyk told The Ring.

“I’m ready and I’m here. I can compete at that same level, and I would like to fight Callum Smith. This could be a dream fight.” Gvozdyk, 37, trains at Brickhouse Boxing Club in California and hopes to return to the top level. If he can’t land Smith, he’s open to other top-10 opponents or even a move to cruiserweight. “I am open to all challenges,” he said.

Having said that, it appears Callum Smith has suddenly become the man to be. With Bivol and Beterbiev busy with their trilogy, Smith seems to be the obvious choice for everyone. Do you think David Benavidez will be able to land the fight?