David Benavidez is set for his toughest test yet as he steps up to cruiserweight to challenge Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez for the unified titles at 200lbs, should he be successful, there is another champion that is keen to face him.
Benavidez became the youngest super-middleweight champion in history when he defeated Ronald Gavril for the WBC strap as a 20-year-old back in 2017.
He then headed to 175lbs and claimed the WBC interim light heavyweight title, before being upgraded to full champion and making one defence of his belt, halting Anthony Yarde after seven rounds in November.
Now the 29-year-old is scheduled to move up in weight once again, as he bids for Ramirez’s WBA and WBO cruiserweight world titles in May.
Speaking to FightHype.com, IBF cruiserweight ruler Jai Opetaia made his intentions clear on facing the winner.
“Definitely, that [winner of Ramirez-Benavidez] is the main fight that I am chasing. I want the winner out of Zurdo and Benavidez. I want that winner, that is my goal right now.
“Until I win that WBO and that WBA, WBC, as well, that is my goal. Anyone that says anything else is f***ing lying. I want to become undisputed in the cruiserweight division.”
The Australian champion was full of praise for both men as he looked ahead to the fight.
“It’s a good fight, they have both got high work rates, you can tell that they have both got heart, they both want to win and the Mexican way, you have got to respect that.
“Two Mexicans going out and putting it on for their countries, that’s what it’s about at the end of the day, doing it for your people.”
Opetaia fights for the inaugural Zuffa Boxing cruiserweight title when he takes on Brandon Glanton on Sunday, March 8, in his debut with Dana White’s polarising promotional outfit. However, it is unknown whether the IBF title will also be on the line or not.
