The boxing landscape is continuously shifting, and as fighters’ careers progress, the paths they choose become critical for their legacies. Dmitry Bivol’s circumstances following his victory over Canelo Alvarez bring to light fundamental questions about his next steps in the sport. His promoter, Frank Smith, has expressed a strong preference for a rematch with Canelo Alvarez over pursuing a title defense against the pressing challenge of David Benavidez. In an analysis of these potential match-ups and the implications surrounding them, a clearer picture of Bivol’s immediate future emerges.
The Allure of the Canelo Rematch
Smith’s inclination towards a rematch with Alvarez seems driven by both financial incentives and the perceived competitive advantage that Bivol holds. After defeating Canelo on May 7, 2022, via unanimous decision, Bivol showcased his ability to leverage his considerable height and reach—standing at 6’1″ compared to Canelo’s 5’8″. For Bivol, this previous victory not only solidified his standing but created an intriguing narrative that fans and analysts alike would love to see revisited.
Engaging Canelo again is more than a mere rematch; for Bivol, it represents an opportunity to cement his legacy against one of boxing’s biggest stars. Additionally, the rematch would likely generate higher revenue than a bout with Benavidez. The financial aspect is crucial. In boxing, marketability can be as significant as athletic prowess, and a match against Alvarez carries both historical and commercial weight.
Conversely, a title defense against David Benavidez presents Bivol with notable obstacles.
Benavidez, a powerful and relentless fighter, poses a stylistic challenge that contrasts sharply with what Bivol faced with Alvarez. Known for his ability to cut off the ring and maintain a high output of punches, Benavidez may exploit Bivol’s occasional reliance on movement. While it’s important to respect Benavidez’s abilities, Bivol might find himself overwhelmed in a manner similar to how he calculated his approach against Canelo.
However, Smith’s viewpoint suggests a wariness regarding the Benavidez matchup, recognizing that a loss to Benavidez could derail Bivol’s current momentum. In boxing, the stakes are found not only in victory but also in timing. A loss could stall Bivol’s career just as it appears to be entering an exciting phase.
Eddie Hearn, Matchroom’s head honcho, is also keen on securing a rematch between Bivol and Canelo. His comments indicating Bivol as a potential challenger for Artur Beterbiev further add layers to the discussion. If Bivol were to unify the title at 175 pounds, it could amplify the allure for Canelo, who has been eyeing undisputed champions across multiple weight classes.
The question, though, is whether Canelo is willing to engage with Bivol again. Since Canelo has ambitious plans for 2025, including a significant fight against IBF champion William Scull aimed at the undisputed 168-lb title, there may be a delay before he considers another face-off with Bivol.
Smith acknowledges the multitude of options available to Bivol, citing potential match-ups with British fighters such as Callum Smith or Anthony Yarde. Even though these bouts may not carry the same weight as a rematch with Canelo, they nevertheless offer Bivol a growing platform.
Ultimately, Bivol remains in a unique position as he walks the line between high-stakes rematches and challenging title defenses. How he chooses to navigate these options will be pivotal in shaping his legacy in boxing. Each fight comes with its own risks and rewards, and the importance of strategic choices cannot be downplayed. The upcoming decisions leading into 2025 are not merely about who Bivol will fight next; they are fundamental to defining his career trajectory in the sport. For fans, the excitement lies in seeing which direction he and his team will choose to take.