David Benavidez’s potential showdown with Dmitry Bivol is reportedly underway behind the scenes. However, Benavidez claimed that the unified light-heavyweight champion has avoided facing him following their past sparring sessions.
Benavidez, widely regarded as one of the most dangerous fighters across multiple divisions, suggested that his previous experience with Bivol may have played a role in why the fight has yet to materialise.
Speaking with combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani recently, Benavidez pointed to a sparring session between the two that took place around eight years ago, insisting he came out on top.
“They can say whatever they want… He’s felt my power up close and personal,” Benavidez said. “I felt his power up close and personal, too, but I got the better of that. I got the better of that last sparring session we had.”
David Benavidez believes previous sparring sessions may be why Dmitry Bivol is avoiding a unification bout:
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) April 22, 2026
"They can say whatever they want to say… he’s felt my power up close and personal. I felt his power up close and personal too, but I got the better of that. I got the… pic.twitter.com/bAwrlInQ0H
While sparring is not always reflective of actual fight outcomes, ‘The Monster’ believes that experience may have left a lasting impression.
Benavidez suggests Dmitry Bivol remembers sparring sessions
Despite staying grounded, Benavidez hinted that those past exchanges may still influence Bivol’s mindset.
“I don’t let that get to my head because I know I have to come extremely prepared for him,” he said. But I feel like that kind of got stuck in his head.”
The comments add a layer of tension to a matchup that has long been discussed but never finalized.
Fight yet to happen despite multiple opportunities
Benavidez also pointed to failed negotiations as further evidence.
“We’ve had multiple opportunities to make this fight happen, and it hasn’t happened,” he said. “So I think that speaks volumes on its own.”
The fight remains one of the most intriguing matchups in boxing, given the contrasting styles of both fighters Benavidez’s relentless pressure against Bivol’s technical precision.
Benavidez targets Bivol showdown as both prepare for upcoming title fights
Before any potential meeting with Bivol, Benavidez faces an immediate challenge.
He is set to move up to cruiserweight on May 2, where he will attempt to become a three-division world champion against Gilberto Ramirez, who currently holds the WBO and WBA titles.
However, Benavidez has already outlined his long-term plan.
Irrespective of the result, the 29-year-old has stated that he intends to return to 175lbs and pursue an undisputed clash with Bivol.
Meanwhile, Bivol is focused on his own upcoming bout.
The Russian is preparing to defend his titles against Michael Eifert on May 30 at the UMMC Arena in Russia.
Benavidez was elevated from interim to full WBC champion after Bivol vacated the belt last year, a move largely attributed to the Russian undergoing back surgery at the time.
Benavidez vs Bivol clash continues to gather momentum
With both fighters active and targeting major fights, the possibility of a future showdown remains alive.
While Benavidez has questioned why the fight has not yet materialised, there are signs that discussions are taking place behind the scenes.
Eddie Hearn, who has represented Dmitry Bivol, recently confirmed that talks have been held with Benavidez’s manager, Luis De Cubas Jr.
“That’s a fight that we’re discussing with Luis De Cubas,” Hearn said when addressing the potential matchup.
The update suggests that, despite the public back-and-forth and Benavidez’s claims, negotiations may still be active as both sides explore the possibility of making the fight.
