David Benavidez is being linked to some of boxing’s biggest names after his latest win, but despite his recent success, a recent sparring partner gives him zero chance of defeating one potential opponent.
Benavidez needed just six rounds to dispatch unified cruiserweight world champion Gilberto Ramirez last weekend, making the monumental 25lb leap up in weight look meaningless by outgunning the bigger man.
After impressing at 200lbs, fans are now discussing whether ‘The Mexican Monster’ should remain at the weight and take on Jai Opetaia or even consider moving up to the heavyweight division and facing Oleksandr Usyk for the unified throne.
However, Benavidez is intent on a fight with unified light-heavyweight ruler Dmitry Bivol, whether that be down at 175lbs or in a catchweight affair.
Speaking with FightHype, former sparring partner Andre Dirrell said that it is not a favourable match-up for ‘The Mexican Monster’.
“Bivol is the final boss, I don’t think that he [Benavidez] can beat Bivol. I don’t think that there is literally anything that he can do to get the victory. I’m not saying that it is not going to be close, what I am saying is, there is nothing that he can do to win.
“I think that Bivol will edge him out as far as movement and how David pursues versus how well Bivol moves and punches, along with his movement, he will simply be too much for David. He will be trying to figure it out, he will be more determined as each round progresses and he will never give up.
“That will, in turn, give him a great performance against Bivol and he will learn a lot about himself in that loss to Bivol. That is the only sure thing for me.”
Bivol is scheduled to defend two of his three major world titles against Michael Eifert on Saturday, May 30, in Russia. His team are in preliminary talks with Benavidez’s side, but a trilogy with Artur Beterbiev, if on the table, would take precedence.
