Benavidez Sr. Names Three Potential Opponents for David

José Benavidez Sr., father and trainer of WBC light heavyweight champion David Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs), has named the top candidates being considered as opponents for his son after WBA, WBO, IBF, and IBO titleholder Dmitry Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs) declined the fight.

According to Benavidez Sr., the shortlist includes Anthony Yarde (26-3, 24 KOs), interim WBO light heavyweight champion Callum Smith (31-2, 22 KOs), and current WBA and WBO cruiserweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (47-1, 30 KOs).

“I really wanted us to win that belt in the ring. David didn’t want to become champion this way.

Bivol’s purse? It’s true. We were talking about $8 million for him. The split was supposed to be 60% for Bivol, 40% for us. He was going to get $8 million. The total purse was around $14–15 million. We had no intention of stepping aside. I don’t believe in step-aside deals.

Right now, we’re looking at a few options: Anthony Yarde, Callum Smith, or possibly a catchweight fight with Zurdo Ramirez. A big fight — two Mexicans in the ring,” Benavidez Sr. said.

David Benavidez last fought in February, defeating David Morrell by unanimous decision.

Later that same month, Dmitry Bivol won a majority decision in his rematch with Artur Beterbiev. Following that, the WBC ordered Bivol to defend his title against Benavidez, but the Russian champion chose instead to pursue a trilogy bout with Beterbiev.

As a result, the WBC officially recognized David Benavidez as the full light heavyweight world champion.