Sampson Lewkowicz said he would like a fight between his charge, David Benavidez, and light heavyweight king Dmitry Bivol to be a reality, but at present it seems far away.

Lewkowicz told BoxingScene that there has been much “fake news” around the fight, but he said: “I hope it becomes a reality, because we would love that fight.”

Lewkowicz said an offer was sent to Bivol’s lawyer last Thursday.

In it, the proposal says Bivol’s team would choose the month of the fight, starting from September and concluding in December, and PBC would make a day available that month.

Bivol, who is promoted by Matchroom, has most recently fought on Riyadh Season bills, with a bout against Malik Zinad followed by two fights with Artur Beterbiev for the undisputed title. Beterbiev won the first encounter by a narrow margin, but a deal was quickly done for Bivol to have a rematch, and in the return Bivol won a decision, becoming the first man to defeat Beterbiev.

Benavidez, who boxes with PBC, was an interested spectator sitting ringside in Saudi Arabia, scouting out future opportunities.

It is understood, however, that Riyadh Season are keen on a decider between Beterbiev and Bivol rather than have the latter address his WBC mandatory, Benavidez.

“I’ve sent an offer but I’ve not heard back,” said Lewkowicz. “There’s been no negotiations, just one letter.”