Beterbiev or Bivol? The undefeated knockout artist has selected his preferred opponent.

American light heavyweight David Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs) delivered a stunning performance over the weekend, handing Cuban fighter David Morrell (11-1, 9 KOs) his first defeat, and securing the status of mandatory challenger for the WBA and WBC titles, as reported by Sports.kz referencing vRINGe.com.

The holder of all division belts, Canadian Chechen Artur Beterbiev (21-0, 20 KOs), is set to rematch Kyrgyzstan native Dmitry Bivol (23-1, 12 KOs) on February 22 in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). Bivol claimed victory in the decisive rounds back in October, but not everyone agrees with the judges' decision.

In an interview with The Ariel Helwani Show, Benavidez expressed his preference for facing Bivol: “I would choose Dmitry since he has previously defeated ‘Canelo’. By beating Bivol, I would prove that I am stronger than ‘Canelo’. I know Dmitry well; I’ve sparred with him. He’s a great fighter. Those were fantastic sparring sessions. So I would prefer to face him. If he beats Beterbiev, then it’s possible there will be a trilogy. Who am I to influence that? If it happens, I’ll wait for the winner of the trilogy and face him.”

Benavidez claims there has already been contact with the main boxing investor, Turki Al al-Sheikh: “My father spoke with him on the phone. We will head to Riyadh for the fight on February 22. Then, perhaps everything will be decided if Beterbiev wins again (originally, Benavidez mistakenly said ‘if Bivol wins again’ — note from vRINGe). If Bivol wins, then it might take a long time to see what happens next. I believe I have shown everyone what level I am at. I’m ready for any opponent. I’m willing to bet my own house that I can beat any opponent.”