Teofimo Lopez Predicts Trouble For Dmitry Bivol In David Benavidez Fight

Lopez praised Benavidez’s recent form and suggested the unified champion is reaching his peak while Bivol is moving in the other direction

Teofimo Lopez believes David Benavidez would be a serious problem for Dmitry Bivol if the two champions eventually meet in an undisputed light heavyweight fight. Lopez praised Benavidez’s victory over Gilberto Ramirez and argued that the Mexican-American star is entering his prime at a time when Bivol is approaching the latter stage of his career.

Benavidez is coming off his victory over Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez to become the unified cruiserweight champion, while Bivol recently defended his titles against Michael Eifert.

“I will call Benavidez, ‘The Massacre Monster,’ because man, that performance against Ramirez was nasty. He is real nasty, he really is,” said Teofimo to InsideRingShow.

“He is coming into his prime, while the other one is on his way out. You have got to also think about those things.”

Benavidez was elevated to full WBC light heavyweight champion after Bivol vacated the title earlier this year. Despite moving up to cruiserweight and capturing additional belts, Benavidez has repeatedly stated that he is willing to return to 175 pounds for a fight with Bivol.

Bivol’s immediate future remains uncertain. After fulfilling his IBF mandatory obligation against Eifert, the WBO has ordered him to face mandatory challenger Callum Smith.

A third fight with Artur Beterbiev has also been discussed following their split series at light heavyweight.

Those commitments could delay a showdown with Benavidez, a fight that would determine the undisputed champion at 175 pounds if it is eventually made.

Benavidez has emerged as one of boxing’s most active champions in recent years, collecting victories over Caleb Plant, Demetrius Andrade, David Morrell, Anthony Yarde, and Ramirez while competing across two weight classes.

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