Eddie Hearn laughs off claims that Dmitry Bivol is avoiding fighting David Benavidez

As Dmitry Bivol pursues a trilogy with Artur Beterbiev, he is receiving backlash for allegedly ducking a fight with David Benavidez.

A third fight between Bivol and Beterbiev seems to be on the cards, with Bivol having vacated his WBC world light-heavyweight title in pursuit of the trilogy.

After a gruelling defeat to Beterbiev the first time round, losing via majority decision, the pair returned to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for an epic rematch.

Eddie Hearn, the CEO of Matchroom Boxing and promoter of Bivol, found amusement in learning that many perceived Bivol to be avoiding a fight with David Benavidez.

Hearn said: "He fought Canelo Alvarez and he fought the biggest beast probably in the history of the light heavyweight division twice in Artur Beterbiev, the guy that had destroyed every opponent that he had ever faced inside the distance.

"By the way, David Benavidez is a great fighter, but to think that Dmitry Bivol would avoid him is one of the strangest agendas I've ever heard peddled."

Hearn was clear to emphasise Benavidez's quality however, adding: "I'm sure many fighters don't really like the fight with Benavidez.

"I know there's been previous fighters that haven't faced him (Benavidez) but I think you need to respect Dmitry Bivol's resume and mindset as a fighter.

"By the way it's a great fight and I think that fight will happen but there's nothing we can do when we have a contract to do the third fight (with Beterbiev)."

• Eddie Hearn explains Dmitry Bivol's decision to vacate WBC light-heavyweight title

• Jose Benavidez Sr assesses David Benavidez's potential opponents

Ellis Statham

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