“It’s a great fight for the division,” Whittaker said. “I don’t know if it will happen because Benavidez looks big, man. He might be fighting for the WBC at cruiserweight. If he’s sitting around that weight for a while, it will be hard to come down, but it’s a fight that a lot of people want to see,” said Whittaker to Ring.

“They’ve sparred. They’ve got history, and they’re fighters that are not scared to fight. It’s all just politics or weight, this and that, but if it does happen, it’ll be great to see.”

The comments touch on a concern that many fans have shared since Benavidez’s recent move up in weight. The 29-year-old looked significantly drained during his final appearances at light heavyweight, and his dominant sixth-round stoppage victory over Gilberto Ramirez to capture cruiserweight titles only fueled speculation that his future could lie above 175 pounds.

Benavidez currently holds the WBC light heavyweight title along with the WBA and WBO cruiserweight belts. The WBC has also ordered him to face cruiserweight champion Noel Mikaelian, creating another obstacle for those hoping to see him return to light heavyweight in the near future.

Bivol remains in position for a third fight with Artur Beterbiev after splitting two closely contested bouts with his longtime rival. The Russian returned from a 15-month absence on May 30 and successfully defended his Ring, WBA, IBF and WBO light heavyweight titles with a one-sided decision victory over Michael Eifert.

On paper, Bivol versus Benavidez remains one of the strongest fights that boxing can offer. But with Benavidez increasingly establishing himself as a force at cruiserweight, the opportunity to make the matchup at 175 pounds may not remain open indefinitely.