The WBO wrote: "The WBO World Championships Committee has resolved that it is in the best interests of boxing and, most importantly, the fighters themselves to permit the highly anticipated [light heavyweight world championship bout between] regining world champion Dmitrii Bivol (pictured) and former three-belt champion Artur Beterbiev to proceed. Accordingly, this decision overrides the enforcement of the WBO mandatory obligation in the light heavyweight division. Furthermore, even under the assumption that the WBO mandatory is due, the established rotation system agreement among the recognized sanctioning bodies dictates that the IBF mandatory is next in line. The WBO will respect and adhere to such order, ensuring alignment with the agreed rotational framework. As a result, WBO interim champion Callum Smith will retain his status as the WBO mandatory challenger and, in the interim, is authorized to participate in voluntary bouts. This ruling underscores the exceptional significance of the Beterbiev/Bivol [third bout], widely regarded as one of the most compelling matchups in contemporary boxing between two of the sport’s elite competitors." In 2024, Beterbiev defeated Bivol to unify the four major titles. Bivol narrowly won the rematch. When a third fight was announced, the WBC stripped Bivol in favor of its interim champion, David Benavidez. 

 

PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE

 

APRIL 8, 2025: World light heavyweight champion Dmitrii Bivol notified the WBC through his attorney Patrick English, that he is vacating the WBC title. Bivol became the WBC light heavyweight champion by defeating Artur Beterbiev via majority decision in a great fight, held at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in February. Bivol also won a rematch against Beterbiev and is said to be headed towards a third fight with Beterbiev. The true world champion, Bivol continues to hold the WBO, IBF and WBA titles. In the light of Bivo's decision, the WBC has elevated its interim champion, David Benavides to the full WBC title. Benavidez defended his interim WBC light heavyweight title also in February, defeating Cuban David Morrell in a tough, exacting fight at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. In its announcement, the WBC wished Bivol success in his future and confirmed Benavidez as the WBC light heavyweight champion.