Tim Bradley Says Dmitry Bivol Could Outthink Benavidez

Bradley says Bivol’s footwork, adjustments, and ring IQ could trouble Benavidez at light heavyweight

Timothy Bradley believes Dmitry Bivol has the style and adaptability to create serious problems for David Benavidez if the two champions meet later this year. Bradley pointed toward Bivol’s footwork, ring IQ, and in-fight adjustments as major factors in a possible undisputed showdown.

The potential fight has gained momentum following Benavidez’s sixth-round stoppage of Gilberto Ramirez last weekend to capture the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles while still holding the WBC light heavyweight belt.

Benavidez has already made it clear he wants Bivol next and recently floated the possibility of a 190-pound catchweight fight involving both light heavyweight and cruiserweight titles.

Bivol, meanwhile, returns May 30 against Michael Eifert in his first appearance since defeating Artur Beterbiev in their rematch and later recovering from back surgery.

Before a Benavidez fight can happen, however, both sides still need to negotiate a deal, and Bivol has another major option sitting in front of him. Beterbiev has been waiting for a trilogy fight after splitting two bouts with Bivol, and that matchup is still expected to generate a major purse. A loss to Benavidez could sharply reduce the value and demand for a third Bivol-Beterbiev fight.

Bradley said Benavidez’s pressure-heavy style may not work as effectively against a fighter as versatile as Bivol.

“Bivol has the perfect style to beat him. I like me some David Benavidez. I can’t wait until he fights again.

“[Benavidez has] got a high boxing IQ too. But he’s stubborn. Bivol isn’t stubborn. Bivol is one of those guys that’ll do the complete opposite of what you think he’s gonna do.

“He’ll have a plan A and a plan B. When he fought Ramirez, he stepped to Ramirez. We thought he was going to box because Ramirez was so damn big.

“Y’all probably don’t think Bivol would step to Benavidez. You’ll be surprised,” Bradley said on his YouTube channel.

Bradley also pointed toward Bivol’s footwork and ability to make adjustments during fights as key differences in a possible showdown with Benavidez, whose recent success has come through relentless pressure and high punch volume.

A fight between Bivol and Benavidez would likely decide the undisputed light heavyweight championship if both fighters keep hold of their belts through the negotiating process and upcoming obligations.

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