Truth can be stranger than fiction, but in reality, the truth was obvious and fiction was, well, fiction! If you like to stay in the know-how with the latest in boxing, you must have read about the Dmitry Bivol vs. David Benavidez fight making headlines left, right, and center. And, of course, it did! After all, everyone was expecting Bivol to fight Artur Beterbiev in a trilogy. 

The pair just got done with their two fights in February this year! Beterbiev won the first, and Bivol bagged the second. So, a trilogy fight was a no-brainer, right? Beterbiev didn’t shy away from a rematch, so why should Bivol?

Even the architect of the Riyadh Season Turki Alalshikh came forward, claiming he no longer wants to make a fight between Benavidez and Bivol and instead wants to focus on a trilogy. 

Forget about Mr. Turki for a second, though; even Bivol’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, was leaning toward the trilogy fight. Despite these statements, Julius Julianis of ESPN Knockout reported on X, “PBC and Matchroom are very close to finalizing an agreement for Bivol and David Benavídez to face each other this summer.”

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This came after the WBC had ordered Bivol to defend his titles against Bivol. Regardless, countless outlets picked up this rumor and presented it as fact.

Even Happy Punch on X got wrapped up with the sudden change in Bivol’s plans. They wrote, “Dmitry Bivol vs. David Benavidez is close to being finalized for the Undisputed light heavyweight championship this summer 👀🔥.” However, the truth was far from it! Respected boxing journalist Dan Rafael quickly revealed what’s really happening behind the curtains. 

“Per Benavidez promoter @SampsonBoxing this is false. Both sides have made offers to the other but not ‘close to being finalized’ at all,” Rafael wrote in response. According to a report from Boxing Scene, Samson had sent a “very large offer” to Bivol’s team. But there has been no response to the offer, making the potential fight between Bivol and Benavidez just that—potential. 

Furthermore, Rafael provided a statement from Bivol’s manager as well, which clarified that a fight against Benavidez is nowhere near being close. “We are not close to finalizing Benavidez. We are not close to finalizing anything at this point,” mentioned the post on X.

With the plans in motion, the post continued, “We are 2 weeks away from fighting 4 big fights in 1 year’s time. And right now we are just close to our kids and relatives,” Rafael quoted Bivol’s manager, Vadim Kornilov.

But do you know what the funny thing is? There could be something big in store for the fans from Benavidez’s team! 

Jose Benavidez Sr. teases big news from David Benavidez amid Dmitry Bivol fight rumors 

The veteran trainer isn’t just Benavidez’s coach—he’s also his father and biggest supporter. The duo has been inseparable throughout Benavidez’s entire career, with Senior often serving as his son’s most passionate hype man. As rumors of a potential Bivol vs. Benavidez showdown flood the internet, Benavidez Sr., has hinted at a major announcement regarding his son’s future.

Hours ago on Instagram, David Benavidez’s father shared a clip of his son going at it on a punching bag. Meanwhile, the post’s caption read, “Back in the gym stay tuned big news coming soon.” Clearly, he was alluding to a fight announcement. At this point, it’s unclear what Benavidez Sr.. hinted at. But, Benavidez has previously expressed an interest in fighting ‘Interim’ WBO light heavyweight champion Callum Smith. 

That said, the Dmitry Bivol vs. David Benavidez fight always seemed too good to be true. However, most people seem to have been carried away with the idea that Benavidez is getting a shot at undisputed, which he completely deserves. What do you think about how things turned out?