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

Matchroom's Eddie Hearn has revealed that his fighter Dmitry Bivol is contractually obliged to fight light-heavyweight foe Artur Beterbiev for a third time, after the Russian relinquished his WBC world title last week.

Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev are set to clash in a third battle later this year, promising another chapter in their intense rivalry.

Bivol relinquished his WBC light-heavyweight title last week, ending his brief two month long reign as undisputed champion after comprehensively beating Beterbiev in Saudi Arabia in February, with the Russian's majority decision win levelling the series at one win apiece following Beterbiev’s narrow success four months earlier.

The WBC swiftly elevated David Benavidez from interim belt holder to full champion in the immediate aftermath of Bivol's decision.

Explaining the decision to vacate the title instead of facing mandatory challenger Benavidez, Bivol's co-promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom, explained to Boxing News, “He’s contracted [to face Beterbiev].

"It doesn’t matter if we wanted to or not; we signed a contract and more importantly we gave our word to His Excellency [Turki Alalshikh].

"Turki Alalshikh has given Dmitry Bivol four fights now, the most incredible opportunities and most importantly he gave him an opportunity to fight Beterbiev for the undisputed championship.

"When we signed for the rematch we confirmed that we will allow the rematch or the trilogy fight to take place as well."

Hearn also revealed that discussions are underway for his British light-heavyweight star Callum Smith to challenge Benavidez for his WBC title.

The former super-middleweight world champion propelled himself into the mix for the WBC strap with a hard-fought yet deserved win over Joshua Buatsi in February to land the WBO interim belt.

Mexican powerhouse Benavidez, meanwhile, defeated David Morrell in their grudge match, also in February, solidifying his position as a formidable force in the 175lbs division.

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Mark Mothershaw

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