David Benavidez’s career could take an unexpected turn after his mouthwatering clash with fellow unbeaten light heavyweight contender David Morrell on February 1.
The pair will square off at the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, in the new year, headlining a stacked Amazon Prime pay-per-view card to kickstart Premier Boxing Champion’s 2025 schedule.
Already, the two Davids have engaged in a fiery war of words, with both fighters looking to stamp their authority at 175 lbs.
Even without the spicy build-up, though, this showdown promises to deliver a compelling spectacle between two of the division’s most elite operators.
- Read More [David Benavidez wants to take over the 175lbs division – with or without Canelo Alvarez on his record]
David Benavidez targets the winner of Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol’s potential rematch
Benavidez is widely regarded as one of the most ferocious punchers in boxing, boasting an 82 percent knockout ratio through 29 victories.
Better still, the two-time super middleweight world champion comes off an impressive debut at light heavyweight, producing a measured performance to outpoint seasoned veteran Oleksandr Gvozdyk.
And so, with Benavidez claiming the WBC interim title, he now has a clear route towards becoming a two-division world champion.
Following his highly contentious majority decision victory over Dmitry Bivol last month, formidable knockout artist Artur Beterbiev is the reigning undisputed king at 175 lbs.
However, given the controversy attached to their thrilling encounter, the pair are expected to meet in a rematch at some point next year.
Benavidez, meanwhile, will undoubtedly target a shot at the potential matchup’s winner should he come through a stern test against Morrell.
David Benavidez could face Gilberto Ramirez instead
If he is unable to secure a title shot at light heavyweight, Benavidez’s father and trainer, Jose Benavidez Snr, has teased a potential clash against unified cruiserweight champion Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez.
“For some reason, if this fight with the winner of Beterbiev and Bivol is not happening or whatever, we’ll definitely go to a cruiserweight to fight Zurdo Ramirez and hopefully that happens,” He told Fight Hub TV.
Ramirez comes off a dominant display against Chris Billam-Smith, claiming a unanimous decision victory before calling out IBF titlist Jai Opetaia.
So now, it would appear that the WBO and WBO champion looks to add another belt to his collection at 200 lbs, leaving Benavidez waiting in the wings should the American make the 25 lb leap.