World Boxing Council chiefs made a decision regarding the immediate future of the super-middleweight division following recent controversy.
Anthony Dirrell became champion after David Benavidez was stripped of the title for an adverse finding during the WBC Clean Boxing Program.
Benavidez was promised a shot at the title should he follow all WBC CBP protocol. The Mexican duly did.
This meant Dirrell and Benavidez were to meet for the green and gold strap. The ending of the Dirrell v Anvi Yildirim fight, which went to the cards early, meant the latter lobbied for an immediate rematch.
With three fighters vying for a shot, President Mauricio Sulaiman travelled to Turkey himself to give Yildirim the news.
The WBC subsequently released the following information:
Istanbul, Turkey – WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman, from Mexico, held a press conference at the Ciragan palace. At which the WBC super-middleweight division Ruling has been set.
WBC champion Anthony Dirrell will fight WBC champion in recess, David Benavidez. Avni Yildirim will participate on the same card.
The winner between Dirrell and Benavidez will fight next against Avni Yildirim.
The WBC is pleased with this resolution as a series of world interest will be happening in this important division.
Sulaiman said: “I am very proud of these three fighters. Dirrell is a two time WBC champion. He has overcome adversity and defeated cancer.
“Benavidez is a young man who has come back from the evils of recreational drugs. He has found a path for a new life.
Yildirim is a national hero hoping to become the first world champion from Turkey. He has dedicated his life with sacrifice and passion to make his dream come true” .
“This is what boxing is all about, the best fighting the best. I applaud the three sides for working together in this process” Sulaiman added.
Dirrell v Benavidez will be announced in due course. Yildirim’s opponent is currently being discussed.