Dmitry Bivol’s decision to vacate the WBC light heavyweight title continues to spark reactions, with his trainer Gennady Mashyanov criticizing WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman for forcing the situation. In comments to the Russian outlet MMA.Metaratings, Mashyanov labeled the organization’s actions “malicious,” claiming Sulaiman hurriedly imposed a mandatory defense on Bivol fewer than two months after his rematch with Artur Beterbiev. According to Mashyanov, the WBC had previously allowed other champions considerably more time before ordering such defenses.
Mashyanov believes the WBC’s sudden demand that Bivol face interim champion David Benavidez did not align with prior rotation rules. Citing David Benavidez’s lengthy stint as interim champion at super middleweight and Canelo Alvarez allegedly declining mandatory defenses without repercussions, Mashyanov questioned why his fighter was pressured so quickly.
Bivol’s team instead chose to vacate the belt in favor of honoring their promise of a third fight with Beterbiev. The Russian star first lost to Beterbiev via majority decision, then reclaimed his belts in their second meeting in February, also by majority decision. Turki Alalshikh, who facilitated the first two matchups, expressed interest in staging a trilogy, especially after the series produced two closely contested bouts. With Bivol unwilling to shift focus, he and his lawyer informed the WBC they would relinquish the title.
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Sulaiman responded by calling Bivol’s explanation “cold and impersonal” and dismissed the arguments as “laughable,” adding that he wished the fighter well despite his disappointment.
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