Stevenson followed a different path
After defeating Teofimo Lopez to win the WBO title at 140 pounds, Stevenson’s team indicated he could return to lightweight while remaining WBC champion.
No written petition was submitted to 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 clear there was no exception or special treatment in Benavidez’s case. The process exists for any champion who intends to compete outside their division temporarily but wants to preserve their title status.
“If you want to keep your title, there are specific rules, and these rules have been in place for decades,” Sulaiman told 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 case that is the way it’s done by the WBC rules.”
The approval also required a retention fee. The amount, reported at $120,000, is separate from the sanctioning fees tied to defending the belt in a WBC title fight. The payment secures the champion’s standing while competing 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 secured. His team spoke about the possibility of returning to 135, yet no written request was filed to preserve his championship standing during the move.
The WBC’s process requires that step. Without it, Stevenson’s title status ended through 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 standing at light heavyweight before pursuing cruiserweight titles. His fight against Ramirez will give him access to additional belts without forcing him to abandon his existing championship.
His long-term plans still include returning to 175 pounds, where potential fights against Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev remain among the most significant 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 preserved. One fighter completed the administrative step required to remain champion. The other did not, and the belt changed hands without a punch being thrown.
