Bivol–Benavidez fight falling apart over money?

Former unified light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol will return to the ring at the end of the month to face IBF mandatory challenger Michael Eifert.

After that, Bivol is planning a mega fight. He currently has two options: an undisputed world title clash with David Benavidez or a third bout with Artur Beterbiev (the two fighters have traded one victory each).

Benavidez recently stated that negotiations with Bivol have already begun. Boxing commentator Fernando Sabatini confirmed this, but says the deal currently appears unlikely.

“I’m told the negotiations are not going very smoothly,” the source writes. “The amount the Kyrgyzstan-born fighter is asking for is too high. We’ll keep monitoring the situation. Bivol risks losing his other titles if he decides not to fight.”

Bivol’s team has never hidden the fact that their priority is a third fight with Beterbiev. Apparently, the current negotiations are taking place without the involvement of investor Turki Alalshikh.

BENAVIDEZ-BIVOL

Me comentan que las conversaciones para realizar la unificación en semicompleto no van muy bien. La cifra que pretende el de Kirguistán sería demasiado alta.

Habrá que estar atentos: Bivol podría perder otros títulos si decide no combatir.

— Fernando Sabatini (@FerSabatiniBox) May 7, 2026