David Benavidez Steps Up to Cruiserweight in Bid for Legacy Against Ramirez David Benavidez has announced his intention to challenge unified cruiserweight champion Gilberto Ramirez in a high-profile matchup on Saturday night, marking another bold move in his career. The 27-year-old Mexican, who previously competed at super-middleweight and light-heavyweight, has now transitioned to the cruiserweight division, aiming to solidify his legacy against Ramirez. Despite the physical demands of the weight shift, Benavidez remains committed to his long-term goal of returning to light-heavyweight to face Dmitry Bivol. Benavidez’s recent success in light-heavyweight includes victories over top contenders Oleksandr Gvozdyk and David Morrell, which earned him the WBC world title. He defended that title in November with a knockout win over Anthony Yarde, marking his first stoppage in the division. The win demonstrated his ability to adapt to the heavier weight class, though he has not yet faced a world champion in light-heavyweight. Speaking to Boxing News’ Oscar Pick, Benavidez expressed confidence in his ability to defeat Bivol, a man who has never been knocked down in his professional career. He cited their past sparring sessions as evidence of his dominance, recalling a session where he nearly dropped Bivol with a 10-punch combination in the fourth round. “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,” Benavidez said. He emphasized his belief that a knockout is within reach, calling it the “biggest statement” he could make. Benavidez’s plan to return to light-heavyweight after the Ramirez fight is clear, though the timing of a potential Bivol matchup remains uncertain.#david_benavidez #gilberto_ramirez #boxing_news #anthony_yarde #oleksandr_gvozdyk
Dmitry Bivol Faces Beterbiev Order, Benavidez Fight Delayed Dmitry Bivol’s potential return to the ring against Artur Beterbiev could disrupt his planned showdown with David Benavidez, creating a significant delay in the light heavyweight division’s title picture. The mandatory trilogy between Bivol and Beterbiev, if enforced, would force Bivol into a third fight with the Russian, pushing back his next major matchup with the undefeated Benavidez. This development has sparked discussions about the future of the division, as both fighters remain central figures in the 175-pound weight class. Benavidez, who is set to move up to cruiserweight this weekend to face Gilberto Ramirez, is expected to return to 175 pounds after the fight to pursue the undisputed title. However, the timing of his return is contingent on the outcome of his upcoming bout, which has been widely anticipated as a potential stepping stone toward a showdown with Bivol. Despite the high demand for a Benavidez-Bivol fight, the outcome of the Beterbiev trilogy could determine whether the matchup ever materializes. Eddie Hearn, Bivol’s promoter, has acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the Beterbiev III fight. In a statement to Fighthype, Hearn emphasized that while the Benavidez-Bivol matchup is a compelling prospect, the possibility of a third fight with Beterbiev complicates the timeline. “I think that Benavidez-Bivol is a great fight, but we have got this kind of loose obligation with the Beterbiev III fight which, if it is called upon, we have to take it,” Hearn said. He added that if the trilogy does not proceed, the Benavidez fight would be a logical next step. Bivol’s schedule is already packed, with two title defenses against Michael Eifert scheduled for next month.#dmitry_bivol #artur_beterbiev #david_benavidez #gilberto_ramirez #eddie_hearn
