In his debut at 200 pounds, David Benavidez challenges unified cruiserweight champion Gilberto Ramirez this Saturday. The “Mexican Monster” dominated early and defeated Ramirez with very fast hands. In the fourth round, Benavidez (32-0, 26 KOs) landed a five-punch combination that dropped the defending champion to one knee.
The challenger continued to punish Ramirez with left hooks and right hands in the sixth round, as he was knocked down for the second time. However, “Zardo” failed to beat the referee’s count, and Benavidez scored 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 Alvarez and Dmitry Bivol. We also consider other names that would be ideal matchups for Benavidez’s next opponent.
Jai Opetaia
There’s no doubt how big a fight with Jay Opetaia would be for the division. Even Benavidez expressed interest in the possibility when asked about fellow undefeated cruiserweights. 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.
With two big punchers facing off, can a crossover promotion make the fight a success?
artur beterbiev
The native of Dagestan, Russia has not fought since a unanimous decision loss to Bivol in February 2025, which was a rematch for the undisputed light heavyweight championship. Benavidez did not rule out a return to 175 pounds, where he also holds the WBC title. Of Beterbiev’s 21 wins, only one has gone the full distance. Due to his brute power, Beterbiev will certainly give the WBC light heavyweight champion a tough test.
A victory over the former 175-pound undisputed champion would certainly add a notable name to Benavidez’s resume.
Dmitry Bivol
The WBA (Super), IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine light heavyweight champion is set to defend his title against mandatory challenger Michael Eifert on May 30. Benavidez referred to Bivol as “No. 1 on his hit list”, and it’s no surprise. Since his light heavyweight debut in 2024, Benavidez has been clear about his desire to challenge for the undisputed championship. There’s no doubt this is the biggest fight at 175 pounds.
canelo alvarez
The Mexican icon has been targeted by Benavidez for years. While Alvarez never demonstrated a mutual desire in a potential fight, Benavidez has not forgotten the former four-division titleholder. After the unified cruiserweight champion once again called out “Canelo” in front of a cheering crowd last Saturday, it seems the fans haven’t forgotten either. Alvarez last fought at 175 pounds in May 2022, where he lost a unanimous decision to Bivol for the WBA (Super) light heavyweight title.
If Benavidez captures the undisputed Light Heavyweight Championship, will Alvarez shift gears?
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