A fight between David Benavidez and Oleksandr Usyk seemed an extremely unlikely affair a couple of years ago but now rumblings continue over it potentially happening.
Usyk became undisputed heavyweight champion in May 2024, at which point Benavidez had never even competed above the super-middleweight division.
Since then ‘The Mexican Monster’ has claimed world honours at both light heavyweight and cruiserweight, with that triumph at 200lbs coming when he stopped WBA and WBO champion Gilberto Ramirez inside six rounds in May.
Benavidez is now rumoured to return in December to take on Michal Cieslak, with the possibility the vacant WBC belt could be on the line for that bout, but there are also talks that a possible Cinco de Mayo clash with Usyk at heavyweight could come next year.
Usyk vacated his heavyweight world titles following his controversial bout with Rico Verhoeven, claiming he had one more fight left in him, with that expected to have come against Deontay Wilder.
It seems as though Benavidez could now be in the running for that opportunity though, and top trainer Garcia has revealed how he believes that bout could unfold.
Speaking to Fino Boxing, Garcia said that he believes ‘The Mexican Monster’ has what it takes to defeat Usyk.
“I think that he [Benavidez] should go straight into Usyk, now.
“I think that Benavidez beats Usyk, really, for reals bro. I don’t think that I am the only one that thinks that, after Usyk’s last performance, I think that people might [agree]. I know there is a lot of risk and it won’t be easy, but I do believe that Benavidez beats him.”
Garcia isn’t the only one to make their prediction known for the possible fight, with boxing legend Mike Tyson also having his say.
