Dogli Wilberforce
David Benavidez faces a major decision after becoming a three-division world champion, and Devin Haney believes one path could be risky. Following Benavidez’s dominant win over Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez last month, questions have grown about whether he should stay at cruiserweight or return to light heavyweight for a potential fight with Dmitry Bivol.
Benavidez stopped Ramirez in the sixth round to win the WBO and WBA cruiserweight titles. The victory added to his growing list of achievements and showed how comfortable he looked at 200 pounds. The performance also sparked fresh discussion about a showdown with Bivol, the unified light heavyweight champion.
Speaking to Ring Magazine, Haney made it clear that he is not convinced a move back to 175 pounds is the right choice for Benavidez. The former undisputed lightweight champion pointed to the physical toll that weight cuts have taken on the Mexican-American fighter throughout his career.
Devin Haney Explains Why David Benavidez Should Avoid a Return to Light Heavyweight
Haney believes David Benavidez has already shown his best form at cruiserweight and warned that dropping back down could hurt his performance.
“I don’t love that for him, because we’ve seen guys like Roy Jones [Jr] go up in weight and come back down, and they just aren’t the same,” Haney said.
“[Benavidez] was already killing himself to make the weight. I’ve seen him make weight cuts; I think they’re brutal on him. We’ve seen the best of him [at cruiserweight]. He should stay up there.”
Haney’s comments come from personal experience. He has competed in multiple weight divisions and has seen firsthand the challenges fighters face when trying to move back down after finding success at a heavier weight.
The concern centers on the demanding weight cuts Benavidez endured earlier in his career. Haney believes returning to 175 pounds after competing successfully at cruiserweight could create unnecessary physical stress.
David Benavidez Looks Stronger Than Ever at Cruiserweight
The latest David Benavidez performance added more fuel to the argument that cruiserweight may now be his natural division.
Against Ramirez, Benavidez appeared bigger, stronger, and more powerful than many fans had seen before. His sixth-round stoppage victory earned him two world titles and made him a three-division champion.
The result led many observers to question whether a return to light heavyweight is necessary. At cruiserweight, Benavidez no longer appears to be dealing with the severe weight cuts that followed him earlier in his career.
Despite that success, opportunities still exist at 175 pounds. Benavidez remains the WBC light heavyweight champion and continues to be linked with the division’s biggest names.
Dmitry Bivol Fight Remains Uncertain as Future Plans Take Shape
A Dmitry Bivol fight remains one of the most talked-about possibilities in boxing. Bivol recently strengthened his position at the top of the division with a unanimous decision win over Michael Eifert.
However, Bivol is expected to pursue a third fight with Artur Beterbiev later this year. If that happens, any immediate plans involving David Benavidez could be delayed.
That scenario may leave Benavidez with other options at cruiserweight, including title defenses or a push toward further unification fights. He could also pursue the vacant WBC cruiserweight title if circumstances in the division change.
For now, the debate continues. David Benavidez has the youth, talent, and ambition to challenge the best fighters available. Yet Devin Haney’s warning highlights the risks that can come with moving back down in weight. The choice between chasing a Dmitry Bivol fight and building a legacy at cruiserweight may shape the next chapter of Benavidez’s career.
