David Benavidez is poised to challenge for the unified cruiserweight world titles in less than three months’ time, and there is another rival in the division who hopes to land a mammoth fight with ‘El Monstruo’ down the line.
Benavidez has emerged as a fan-favourite in recent years due to both his fighting style and his willingness to take on all-comers, moving through the weight divisions with the same aggression he brings to the ring.
The reigning WBC light-heavyweight ruler now seeks world honours in a third weight division, as he steps up to 200lbs for a showdown with unified WBA and WBO cruiserweight world champion Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez.
Though Benavidez has said his intention is to drop back down to light-heavyweight, if he opts to remain at 100lbs there is one of the most explosive fights in the sport on offer.
IBF cruiserweight titleholder Jai Opetaia told Fight Hub TV has him in his sights, perhaps as a key obstacle in his path toward claiming the undisputed crown.
“I am ready to fight. I have been chasing these big fights for a while. I want to become undisputed so it is what it is and I am ready when they are.
“If that [Benavidez] fight comes, let’s do it. Respectfully, I have got a lot of time for him, I have seen some of his interviews, he holds himself well and he is fighting for the right reasons.”
“It’s good, that is a massive fight, let’s get it on, Benavidez.”
‘Zurdo’ vs Benavidez will take place on Cinco De Mayo weekend on Saturday, May 2, as Ramirez searches for a career-best triumph in his 50th professional contest. Opetaia, meanwhile, is set to make his debut under the Zuffa Boxing banner on March 8, likely against Brandon Glanton.
