David Benavidez steps up to the cruiserweight division in a daring challenge against unified champion, Gilberto Ramirez, on Saturday night.
However, there is a different world champion that ‘The Mexican Monster’ is eyeing up, believing he can register a statement stoppage win.
Having ruled and campaigned at super-middleweight for the vast majority of his career, the imposing Benavidez stepped up to light-heavyweight in 2024 and scored decision wins over Oleksandr Gvozdyk and David Morrell.
Those triumphs saw him elevated to WBC world champion and he defended that crown with his first knockout victory since moving to light-heavyweight, halting Anthony Yarde after seven rounds of action back in November.
Now, Benavidez continues to progress through the weight divisions as he makes the 25lb jump up to cruiserweight in a quest for legacy against ‘Zurdo’, but vows to move back down to light-heavyweight, regardless of the outcome.
Speaking to Boxing News’ Oscar Pick, Benavidez declared that he plans to return to 175lbs to face Dmitry Bivol, in a potential bid for the undisputed crown.
After having success against the Russian during their sparring sessions, Benavidez believes he has what it takes to stop the man who has never even touched the canvas in his career.
“For me, the hardest fight in the [175lb] division is [against] Bivol. He keeps his distance very well and has beaten everybody, but I know I can beat him.
“Not only can I beat him; I can knock him out. The last time we sparred [around seven years ago], I had him really hurt in the fourth round – I almost dropped him with a 10-punch combination.
“For me, stopping Bivol is the biggest statement I could possibly make.”
Whilst Benavidez hopes to secure a clash with his fellow light-heavyweight world champion, Bivol may instead be forced to accept a trilogy bout with Artur Beterbiev.
