David Benavidez announced a move to the cruiserweight division on Saturday night and has now revealed whether or not his light heavyweight days are completely behind him.
Benavidez kept his WBC title and undefeated record against Anthony Yarde, knocking the Londoner out after seven dominant rounds in Riyadh.
Following the win, despite links to an undisputed showdown against Dmitry Bivol, or a potential firefight with Artur Beterbiev, Benavidez made the surprise announcement that he would move up to the cruiserweight division and challenge Gilberto Ramirez for the WBA and WBO world titles in May.
During the post-fight press conference, however, he reaffirmed his interest in a clash with both Russians and declared that he would be willing to drop back down to 175lbs for a scrap with either man.
“I want to be the double champ. I want to be the champ at both weight classes. Terence Crawford is doing that right now, but I don’t know how many other people are doing that.
“I want to be in the same conversations as those guys, but I definitely will come down to 175 and take a fight with those guys [Bivol and Beterbiev] if it’s available.”
Bivol and Beterbiev may collide in a trilogy bout in early 2026, meaning Benavidez could take on the victor during the second half of the calendar year.
Although, Bivol has spoke of a move to cruiserweight himself in the past. Therefore, a highly-anticipated meeting with Benavidez could potentially take place at 200lbs, particularly if the latter manages to dethrone Ramirez in six months’ time.
