Jimmy Robles
In his debut at 200 pounds, David Benavidez challenged unified cruiserweight champion Gilberto Ramirez this Saturday. “The Mexican Monster” dominated early on and beat Ramirez to the punch with visibly much faster hands. In the fourth round, Benavidez (32-0, 26 KOs) landed a five-punch combination that sent the defending champion down on one knee for a knockdown.
The challenger continued to punish Ramirez with left hooks and right hands in the sixth round, as he took a knee for the second time. However, “Zurdo” failed to beat the referee’s count, and Benavidez earned a TKO victory to become the new WBA (Super) and WBO cruiserweight champion.
Following his win, the three-division champion called out several big names, including Canelo Álvarez and Dmitry Bivol. We consider those names along with others who make ideal matchups for Benavidez’s next opponent.
Jai Opetaia
There’s no question how huge a matchup with Jai Opetaia would be for the division. Even Benavidez expressed interest in the possibility when asked about the fellow undefeated cruiserweight. Except that the former 200-pound IBF and Ring Magazine titleholder signed with Zuffa Boxing in January. He defeated Brandon Glanton by unanimous decision in March to claim the inaugural Zuffa Boxing cruiserweight title.
In a clash of two big punchers, can a crossover promotion materialize the fight?
Artur Beterbiev
The native of Dagestan, Russia, hasn’t fought since a unanimous decision loss to Bivol in February 2025, which was a rematch for the undisputed light heavyweight championship. Benavidez didn’t rule out a return to 175 pounds, where he also holds the WBC Title. In Beterbiev’s 21 victories, only one has gone the full distance. Due to his brutal power, Beterbiev is sure to provide the WBC light heavyweight champion with a tough test.
A victory over the former 175-pound undisputed champion would certainly add a noteworthy name to Benavidez’s resume.
Dmitry Bivol
The WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and Ring Magazine light heavyweight champion is set to defend his titles against mandatory challenger Michael Eifert on May 30. Benavidez referred to Bivol as the “No.1 on his hit list,” and that doesn’t come as much of a surprise. Since his light heavyweight debut in 2024, Benavidez has been clear about his desire to challenge for the undisputed championship. It’s a no-brainer that this is the biggest fight to make at 175 pounds.
Canelo Álvarez
The Mexican icon has long been targeted by Benavidez for years. As much as Álvarez never demonstrated a mutual desire in a potential fight, Benavidez hasn’t forgotten the former four-division titleholder. After the unified cruiserweight champion called out “Canelo” yet again last Saturday to a cheering crowd, it seems that the fans haven’t forgotten either. Álvarez last fought at 175 pounds in May 2022, where he took a unanimous decision loss to Bivol for the WBA (Super) light heavyweight title.
If Benavidez captures the undisputed light heavyweight championship, would Álvarez shift gears?
