Purse bids were set to be called on Tuesday for Bivol to face WBC interim champion David Benavidez. 

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In a letter obtained by boxing journalist Dan Rafael, Bivol's attorney Pat English confirmed the decision to WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman on Monday. 

The letter also confirmed that a third meeting with Beterbiev is indeed in the works and will likely take place later this year with this rivalry standing at one win apiece. 

With Bivol having vacated his WBC light heavyweight title, Benavidez has now been elevated to full champion and while he was disappointed about not facing Bivol, the American is looking to leave his mark on the light heavyweight division with the iconic green and gold belt. 

"Just got the news that Bivol decided to vacate his title, instead of fighting me. Now that makes me the WBC world champion at light heavyweight," Benavidez wrote on Instagram. 

"This is not the ideal way for me to become world champion but nevertheless I am now the WBC light heavyweight champion of the world, and I intend on putting [on] the best fights."

Benavidez's next outing could come against a British opponent in the form of Callum Smith who beat Joshua Buatsi on the undercard of Bivol's rematch with Beterbiev two months ago. 

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