Dmitry Bivol has vacated his WBC light-heavyweight world title just six weeks after becoming the undisputed champion in order to pursue a third fight with Artur Beterbiev.
Bivol had defeated Beterbiev on February 23 to avenge his previous losses and claim the WBA, WBC, WBO, and IBF world titles.
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed that Bivol's decision to relinquish the title stems from his desire to face Beterbiev again.
The two Russians have previously fought twice for the undisputed title, with Beterbiev winning the first two bouts.
Following Bivol's victory, the WBC had mandated that he face top contender David Benavidez, and a purse bid for the fight was scheduled.
Benavidez, an unbeaten American fighter, has now been elevated to world champion status, with Liverpool's Callum Smith also in line to challenge him after defeating Joshua Buatsi earlier in the year.
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