Dirrell-Benavidez set for vacant WBC title, Sept. 9

It’s official. Anthony Dirrell (30-1-1, 24 KOs) will be taking on David Benavidez (18-0, 17 KOs) on September 9th for the vacant WBC super middleweight world title. The title was vacated by Badou Jack after he decided to make the move to the light heavyweight division. World Boxing News reports the fight will be held in Los Angeles, but a specific venue has yet to be named.

Anthony Dirrell had previously been lined up to take on Callum Smith for the vacant title, but Smith instead chose to enter the World Boxing Super Series tournament which starts this fall. In that tourney he’ll be competing for the WBC’s diamond belt, among other prizes.

Dirrell, 32, is most recently coming off of a stoppage win over Norbert Nemesapati in early January, marking his third straight win since his majority decision loss to Badou Jack in April 2015.

Meanwhile Benavidez, 20, is coming off a knockout win over “Porky” Medina this past May, his 10th consecutive stoppage win.