Dmitry Bivol sent the World Boxing Council a letter explaining his decision to vacate the light heavyweight title.
Bivol’s actions occurred just hours before the undisputed champion was due to participate in a purse bid on Tuesday to face mandatory challenger David Benavidez.
The letter, sent through Bivol’s lawyer Patrick English to former WBN lead writer Dan Rafael, outlines why the 34-year-old felt he had no choice but to relinquish the green and gold belt.
Worldboxingnews.com obtained the letter late on Monday as Bivol [24-1, 12 KOs] confirmed he will focus on a trilogy with Artur Beterbiev [21-1, 20 KOs] after their Fight of the Year rematch on February 22.
“April 7, 2025, Dear President Sulaiman: As you know, this office represents Dimitrii Bivol. Mr. Bivol has been placed in a position where, unfortunately, he is being forced to relinquish the World Boxing Council light heavyweight title.
“Everyone in boxing knows that there is a commitment for a third bout with Artur Beterbiev, generally considered to be the second-best light heavyweight in boxing. We are working to consummate that bout.
“In addition, we are dismayed at the inability of the ratings organizations to adhere to the rotation system set up many years ago. You are aware that the IBF has claimed to be the lead organization, with justification, for the next Bivol bout.
“We wish to be courteous to those involved in the potential purse bid scheduled for tomorrow. Thus, we will notify you of the relinquishment of the belt before that time so people will not incur needless travel expenses.
“Mr Bivol appreciates such courtesies from the WBC as were accorded him in the past.
“Regards, Patrick C. English.”
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman didn’t take the letter’s tone too kindly and expressed his feelings about the matter. In his response, Sulaiman branded the argument that the IBF is next ‘ridiculous’ for ending Bivol vs. Benavidez.
“I have just received a cold and impersonal notification from Dmitry Bivol lawyer, Patrick English, with arguments that are so ridiculous that I would rather not discuss informing the WBC that Dmitry Bivol has decided to relinquish his WBC light heavyweight championship.
“We wish Bivol success and hereby confirm David Benavidez as WBC world light heavyweight champion.”
Benavidez [30-0, 24 KOs] picks up the vacant WBC light heavyweight title and will have a grace period for his first defense against anyone in the top fifteen rankings. Despite Callum Smith being named a potential challenger, nothing is yet set in stone with the Liverpool man.
The ‘Mexican Monster’ begins his third reign as ruler after being stripped twice previously at super middleweight and never losing any titles inside the ring.
The hard-hitting 28-year-old defeated David Morrell on February 1 to prove his credentials in the 175-pound division. His quest to become the undisputed light heavyweight champion will continue once the third instalment of Bivol vs Beterbiev is in the books.
Both Canelo Alvarez and Bivol have decided not to adhere to WBC mandatory orders to face Benavidez in the last two years.
Bivol, who now holds the IBF, WBO, and WBA versions, will plow on with his planned third fight with Beterbiev.
WBN understands a date in October is planned for Bivol vs Beterbiev as part of the Riyadh Season festivities in Saudi Arabia.
Turki Alalshikh is expected to make a formal announcement on the trilogy match by the summer after Bivol equaled the two-leg series via a majority decision. He gained revenge for Beterbiev, doing precisely the same in the first meeting.
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Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, an experienced boxing writer and World Boxing News Editor since 2010.
