James Toney picks a winner in Dmitry Bivol vs David Benavidez: “He stops him”

If boxing ever stages a pure bull-versus-matador contest at light-heavyweight, Dmitry Bivol against David Benavidez may be it.

Between them, the pair currently account for all four world titles at 175lbs, split 3-1 in the Russian’s favour following his unforgettable victory over countryman Artur Beterbiev last year.

Benavidez, meanwhile, acquired his belt after Bivol was stripped of the WBC title for failing to face his mandatory challenger — a position occupied by Benavidez himself.

While the matchup remains some distance from materialising, fans can still harbour hope of seeing it in 2026. For now, the door is temporarily closed.

Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs) is expected to fulfil a mandatory defence against Michael Eifert, while Benavidez (31-0, 25 KOs) is set to campaign at cruiserweight in May, where he will challenge unified champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez.

The long-term plan, however, is clear. Benavidez intends to return to 175lbs after the Ramirez fight, and Bivol is widely expected to come through his next assignment. Should those pieces fall into place, one of the most compelling matchups in the division could finally be within reach.

If that day comes, James Toney has already made up his mind. Speaking to Mill City Boxing, the former multi-weight world champion offered a blunt prediction.

“Benavidez, he’s busier and hits harder. He stops Bivol.”

They are qualities often associated with Beterbiev — the man who handed Bivol his lone defeat in 2023 — and unlike Benavidez, the fearsome puncher was a natural light-heavyweight.

Beterbiev’s knockout ratio sits at a staggering 95 per cent, compared to Benavidez’s 80 per cent, achieved largely during his reign at super-middleweight.

Whether Benavidez’s pressure, size and volume would translate the same way at 175lbs remains the great unknown. What is certain is that if Bivol and Benavidez do finally collide, it would be a high-stakes clash of styles — and one with the potential to define the division for years to come.