The press service of the World Boxing Council (WBC) announced that the winner of the fight between David Morrell and David Benavidez will become the mandatory challenger for the title.
WBC statement
Undisputed champion Artur Beterbiev will fight a rematch with Dmitry Bivol on February 22 in Riyadh. Interim champion David Benavidez will fight David Morrell on February 1. The winner will be the mandatory challenger of the division to fight the winner of Beterbiev vs. Bivol
Benavidez last fought in June 2024, defeating Oleksandr Gvozdyk by unanimous decision. He holds a record of 29 wins (24 by knockout) and no losses.
Morrell last fought against Radivoje Kalajdzic in August 2024. That fight went the distance and ended with David winning by unanimous decision. His record stands at 11 wins (nine by knockout) without losses.
