Sean Zittel says Benavidez is nearing the end of his promotional agreement as future options involving Dmitry Bivol and Zuffa Boxing remain under discussion
David Benavidez reportedly has only one fight remaining under his promotional agreement with Samson Lewkowicz, according to Sean Zittel. The reported contract situation could become an important factor as Benavidez pursues major fights at light heavyweight and cruiserweight.
“David Benavidez only has one fight left with his current promoter, Samson Lewkowicz,” said Zittel on his YouTube channel. “Now this is just my two cents, my speculation. I wonder if Dana White and Zuffa, who apparently are open to working with Luis DeCubas and Al Haymon, what if David is waiting for that deal to be up?
“And what if the other side is waiting for David’s deal to be up so that they can do business straight away without a current promoter contract in place?”
Benavidez’s future has become a major topic in recent weeks as his team pursues options at both light heavyweight and cruiserweight. Jose Benavidez Sr. told Zittel that Dmitry Bivol remains the preferred target, with Artur Beterbiev also high on the list if a fight with Bivol cannot be made.
Zittel suggested Benavidez’s contractual situation could become an important factor if major opportunities emerge through Turki Alalshikh, Dana White, or Zuffa Boxing.
“Maybe you don’t want that promoter involved. Maybe you want to try to become his promoter alongside Luis and Al Haymon. But I don’t know. All I know is what was told to me from all these people involved,” said Zittel.
The comments come as Zittel reported that sources close to the situation believe a third fight between Beterbiev and Bivol is likely to take place in Russia rather than under Saudi funding, potentially leaving Benavidez looking elsewhere for his next opportunity.
Benavidez continues to pursue title opportunities while the boxing world waits to see whether his next bout will also be the final fight under his current promotional agreement.
