David Benavidez looks to become a three-belt cruiserweight world champion in December, but whilst many fans hope to see him face Jai Opetaia in the fight that follows, there is another world champion whom ‘The Mexican Monster’ could potentially meet in 2027.
An official announcement is expected imminently for a December 5 showdown between Benavidez and WBC cruiserweight champion Michael Cieslak – with Opetaia mandated to take on the victor of that contest.
Meanwhile, another Benavidez target, Dmitry Bivol, is poised to take on Callum Smith on December 12 and then partake in a rubber match with Artur Beterbiev in Russia in 2027.
However, speaking with Inside The Ring, Benavidez revealed that Beterbiev has reached out to his team for a shot at cruiserweight honours, before confirming that he will give the 41-year-old Canadian-Russian exactly ‘what he wants’.
“Beterbiev has definitely reached out to our team and he has been actively trying to make that fight. So, we are going to give him exactly what he wants.
“I respect Beterbiev, he is like 45 years old so the fact that he is calling me out is why I have a lot of respect for him!
“That is a great fight for the public.”
Beterbiev hasn’t fought since he came up short in his undisputed light heavyweight title rematch with Bivol in February 2025, and could now look to move up to 200lbs in a bid to get active once again.
As for Opetaia, his mandatory position could be negated if his lawsuit against the IBF is successful and he is reinstated as their world champion, or if the winner of Benavidez-Cieslak decides to vacate the WBC world title during the aftermath.
However, should the Aussie be reinstated as a three-time IBF cruiserweight world champion, Benavidez would presumably still pursue the fight in a bid to fulfil his dream of becoming undisputed at cruiserweight.
