The Brighton man agreed to participate in the forthcoming World Boxing Super Series tournament and was picked to battle the undefeated Turk by famous father Chris Sr.
Had Eubank Jr. waited it out though and not agreed to the Yilidrim fight on October 7 in Stuttgart, the talented IBO belt holder would have been offered the chance to contest the green and gold belt as the highest available challenger.
Anthony Dirrell was pitted against the promising Benavidez as the number two and number four ranked contenders, although the American pulled out injured.
As Eubank is placed fifth by the WBC Ratings Committee, the 27 year-old would have gotten the call to replace Dirrell for the belt left behind by new light-heavyweight world title challenger Badou Jack.
Instead, Ronald Gavril, rated one place behind Eubank took the spot and will battle Benavidez on September 8 in Las Vegas.
Only time will tell if Eubank has made the correct decision as three wins in the WBSS would see the son of a legend walk away with two versions of the world championship and the WBC Diamond title.
That would also mean Eubank becomes the number one contender for the eventual victor from the Benavidez v Gavril offering.
Announcing the Benavidez v Gavril clash, the WBC had originally stated the following: The WBC has been informed of a regrettable injury by Anthony Dirrell who is scheduled to fight for the WBC supermiddleweight championship on September 8 against David Benavidez.
Tom Brown Promotions has the September 8 commitment for a long time and has requested the WBC to accept David Benavidez vs Ronald Gavril to fight on such date for the championship. Ronald Gavril is the NABF champion and is the highest available contender.
Considering that Callum Smith, Avni Yildirim and Chris Eubank Jr. are all competing in the WBC Diamond Tournament with the World Boxing Super Series with the winner of such tournament becoming mandatory to the WBC championship.
The WBC hereby confirms official sanctioning of the bout between David Benavidez and Ronald Gavril for the WBC supermiddleweight championship.
