Jose Benavidez Sr. Says Bivol, Beterbiev And Opetaia Are Not Responding

Benavidez’s father says teams connected to Bivol, Beterbiev and Opetaia have not engaged in discussions

Jose Benavidez Sr. says efforts to secure major fights for David Benavidez have hit a standstill. The veteran trainer claims teams connected to Dmitry Bivol, Artur Beterbiev and Jai Opetaia are not responding as Benavidez searches for his next fight.

Benavidez, 30-0 (25 KOs), moved up to cruiserweight last month and stopped Gilberto Ramirez in six rounds to capture the WBA and WBO titles, becoming a three-division world champion. Despite that success, the plan has remained for him to return to 175 pounds in pursuit of a showdown with unified light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol.

That path has become increasingly complicated, however. Bivol has been linked to a third fight with Artur Beterbiev, while Callum Smith remains in position as a mandatory challenger.

Benavidez Sr. revealed his frustration with the lack of progress in talks involving several of the division’s biggest names.

“I’m trying to make these fights. I even told David: ‘These guys are not responding. Let’s fight [Mikaelian],'” said Jose Sr. to MillCity Boxing.

“That’s not a fight that really interests me. I’m just trying to make these fights with whoever [is available].

“If the father of Bivol is watching this: stop talking. You say you want to shut [Benavidez] up, [so] let’s make it happen.”

With other options appearing difficult to secure, Benavidez Sr. indicated that a fight with WBC cruiserweight champion Noel Mikaelian could become a realistic alternative.

Benavidez recently petitioned the WBC to be named mandatory challenger to Mikaelian and was successful. If Mikaelian chooses to pursue a previously discussed unification bout with Jai Opetaia instead, he could risk losing the WBC title.

Benavidez remains focused on landing one of boxing’s marquee fights, but according to his father, attempts to open discussions with Bivol, Beterbiev, and Opetaia have yet to produce any movement.

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