On April 7, 2025, Dmitry Bivol announced his decision to vacate the WBC light heavyweight title in favor of pursuing a trilogy bout with Artur Beterbiev instead of fighting David Benavidez.

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed this news on X, stating Benavidez has been promoted to full champion.

“I have just received a cold and impersonal notification from Dmitry Bivol’s lawyer, Patrick English, with arguments that are so ridiculous that I rather not discuss informing the WBC that Dmitry Bivol has decided to relinquish his WBC light heavyweight championship,” Sulaiman stated.

Bivol’s legal counsel noted, “Everyone in boxing knows that there is a commitment for a third bout with Artur Beterbiev … we are working to consummate that bout.”

The WBC mandated a title defense before this anticipated trilogy fight and ordered Bivol to fight Benavidez, prompting Bivol’s decision to drop the title instead.

For Benavidez, the circumstances serve as a frustrating twist as he has sought a shot at undisputed champion status previously, only to see it slip away once more.