Dmitry Bivol is set to defend two of his three light-heavyweight world titles on Saturday night, but that has not stopped his trainer from looking ahead. 

Bivol has proven himself to be the man to beat in the light-heavyweight division, with victories over Canelo Alvarez, Gilberto Ramirez, and, most recently, Artur Beterbiev, establishing the Russian ruler as a pound-for-pound star.

However, the rise of David Benavidez has called Bivol’s supremacy into question, as many fight fans believe that ‘The Mexican Monster’ possesses the aggressive style required to trump the well-schooled champion – especially after witnessing him conquer a third weight division.

Following his own victory over ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez at cruiserweight, Benavidez has announced that he intends to drop back down to resume his reign as WBC light-heavyweight champion, and the first fight on his list is an undisputed contest against Bivol.

Speaking to the IBA, the Russian’s trainer, Gennadi Mashyanov, confirmed that they want the same, presuming they come through Michael Eifert unscathed this weekend.

“My personal goal right now is this guy Benavidez – who let’s just say, talks a lot. We’ll see what he’s really made of. I’d like him to stop running his mouth. For that to happen, someone has to get in the ring with him and shut it for good.”

Bivol-Eifert takes place at the UMMC Arena in Ekaterinburg, Russia, on Saturday, May 30, and will be available to watch live on DAZN, supported by an undercard that features of a host of Russian fighters. Bivol will defend his IBF and WBA belts, but the WBO will not be on the line after the sanctioning body refused due to the ongoing Ukraine war. Bivol, however, will not be stripped and free to defend the belt in his next bout.