Benavidez Sr. Identifies David’s Biggest Challenges

José Benavidez Sr., father and trainer of WBC interim light heavyweight champion David Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs), has outlined the key opponents on his son’s radar.

According to Benavidez Sr., there are four major names in contention for David’s next big fight: undisputed light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs), knockout artist Artur Beterbiev (21-1, 20 KOs), WBO interim light heavyweight champion Callum Smith (21-2, 22 KOs), and WBA Super & WBO cruiserweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (47-1, 30 KOs).

"There are so many options. David is in great shape and a perfect position right now. We can fight Bivol—he’s a beast, the best in the division, and the undisputed champion. Or we can face Beterbiev—both guys are extremely dangerous. It would be incredible to see how David matches up against them. And maybe they could even have a trilogy.

We could also take on Callum Smith—he looked great against Joshua Buatsi. Or we could move up to cruiserweight and face Zurdo Ramirez. It would be an honor to fight Zurdo. He’s a great friend and a great fighter. That’s what friends are for, right? Why not fight? We could make money together.

If it were up to me, I’d want Bivol first, then Beterbiev, and finally Zurdo Ramirez. That would be my dream, and that’s what we’re aiming for.

Right now, David feels fantastic. He’s got the size for it. He’s comfortable at super middleweight (168 lbs), light heavyweight (175 lbs), and even cruiserweight (200 lbs). He’s in a perfect position," said Benavidez Sr.