Stevenson followed a different path
After defeating Teofimo Lopez to win the WBO title at 140 pounds, Stevenson’s team indicated that he could return to lightweight while remaining WBC champion.
No written petition was filed with the WBC, and no retention process was completed. Without that step, the organization removed him as champion.
The written petition made the difference
Sulaiman made it clear that there was no exception or special treatment in Benavidez’s case. The process exists for any champion who intends to temporarily compete outside of their division but wants to retain their title status.
“If you want to keep your title, there are specific rules, and these rules have been in place for decades,” Sulaiman said Chris Mannix. “Benavidez is fighting in May as the WBC light heavyweight champion, and he’s fighting at cruiserweight for another organization. He made the petition in writing, and it’s the exact same thing that’s done by the WBC rules.”
The approval also required a retention fee. The amount, reported at $120,000, is separate from the sanction fees associated with defending the belt in a WBC title fight. The payment secures the champion’s position while he competes elsewhere.
Stevenson never secured his title status
Stevenson entered a title fight at 140 pounds while still holding the WBC lightweight belt, but his status there was never formally assured. His team talked about the possibility of returning to 135, but no written request was made to retain his championship status during the move.
The WBC’s process requires that step. Without it, Stevenson’s title reign ended by procedure rather than defeat, even though he never lost the belt in the ring.
Benavidez protected his position before moving up
Benavidez’s decision to file the petition secured his position as light heavyweight before chasing cruiserweight titles. His fight against Ramirez will give him access to additional belts without forcing him to relinquish his existing championship.
His long-term plans still include moving back down to 175 pounds, where potential fights against Dmitri Bivol and Artur Beterbiev remain among the most important available in the division. Holding the WBC title strengthens his position entering those negotiations.
The contrast between Benavidez and Stevenson exposed how championship status is maintained. One fighter completed the administrative step required to remain champion. The others did not, and the belt changed hands without a punch being thrown.
