David Benavidez will be a defending world champion in his next fight as his interim belt was promoted in 2025.
After formally undisputed world light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol vacated his WBC title, Benavidez became the holder of the belt.
With a record of 30-0, ‘The Monster’ is considered one of the most entertaining and skilful fighters in boxing today. However, he will not get his desired unification match for his next fight.
As Bivol chases a trilogy meeting with Artur Beterbiev, Benavidez will defend his title against a different light heavyweight.
David Benavidez aiming to defend his world title against Anthony Yarde in November
Saudi Arabian advisor Turki Alalshikh recently announced that Benavidez will be making the first defense of his world title against Anthony Yarde in November.
The British fighter Yarde has a professional record of 27-3, with his most recent loss being a TKO defeat to Beterbiev.
Since the loss to the Canadian-Russian, Yarde has won four fights in a row. In his last outing, the Englishman defeated Lyndon Arthur (24-2) via unanimous decision.
As for Benavidez, he will go into the bout off an impressive showing against David Morrell. Benavidez defeated Morrell via unanimous decision, as he defended his interim title.
David Benavidez’s father says Callum Smith turned down a fight proposal
British fighter Callum Smith had a ‘Fight of the Year’ contender with Joshua Buatsi in his last fight, as he claimed the interim WBO World Light Heavyweight title.
Following the win, many felt Benavidez vs Smith was the fight to make, if Bivol was not an option for ‘The Monster’. However, the pair will not face off in 2025.
In a recent interview with YSM Sports Media, Jose Benevidez Sr., father of David Benavidez, revealed Smith was offered the fight.
“There was an offer made to Callum Smith, and he did not want the offer,” the coach said.
Benavidez Sr. then added that Yarde ‘took the fight straight away’ when it was offered to him.