David Benavidez Chases Bivol and Beterbiev in Bold Light Heavyweight Move

The undefeated WBC champion sets his sights on conquering the Russian champions at 175 pounds

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:56pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a boxing match between David Benavidez and Dmitry Bivol, with the figures and actions broken down into sharp, geometric shapes and planes of color, capturing the dynamic energy and tension of the anticipated showdown.Benavidez's bold move to chase the Russian light heavyweight champions Bivol and Beterbiev has the boxing world on the edge of its seat.Toledo Today

David Benavidez's bold declaration to conquer the light heavyweight division is shaking up the boxing world. After a spectacular knockout of Anthony Yarde to retain his WBC 175-pound title, the undefeated sensation has announced his intention to move up in weight and challenge the formidable Russian champions, Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev.

Why it matters

Benavidez's ambitious plan to take on Bivol and Beterbiev, the undisputed champions at light heavyweight, has generated significant buzz in the sport. If successful, it would cement his status as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world and potentially set up a historic unification clash.

The details

Benavidez, who holds an impressive record of 31-0 with 25 knockouts, is first slated to challenge the WBO and WBA cruiserweight champion, Gilberto Ramirez, in a move that has the boxing world buzzing. However, this cruiserweight stint is expected to be a brief detour, as Benavidez's primary ambition is to take on Bivol and Beterbiev. The WBC had previously ordered Bivol to face Benavidez, but Bivol opted to relinquish that belt to pursue a third fight with Beterbiev, which never materialized due to Bivol's back surgery.

  • In November 2025, Benavidez knocked out Anthony Yarde to retain his WBC 175-pound title.
  • Benavidez is slated to challenge Gilberto Ramirez, the WBO and WBA cruiserweight champion, in the near future.

The players

David Benavidez

An undefeated boxer with a record of 31-0 (25 knockouts) who holds the WBC light heavyweight title and is now pursuing fights with Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev.

Dmitry Bivol

The current undisputed light heavyweight champion, who has been ordered to face Benavidez but has opted to pursue a third fight with Artur Beterbiev instead.

Artur Beterbiev

The formidable Russian light heavyweight champion, who was expected to face Bivol in a trilogy fight but has not yet materialized.

Gilberto Ramirez

The WBO and WBA cruiserweight champion, who Benavidez is slated to challenge in the near future.

Anthony Yarde

The boxer whom Benavidez defeated in November 2025 to retain his WBC light heavyweight title.

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What they’re saying

“I'm a fight Zurdo Ramirez. Then we're gonna come down, and we're gonna make that fight with [Dmitry] Bivol. Then after that we're gonna fight [Artur] Beterbiev.”

— David Benavidez

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Benavidez's ambitious plan to take on the elite of the light heavyweight division, including the formidable Russian champions Bivol and Beterbiev, has the boxing world captivated. His unwavering belief in his ability to defeat the best suggests a deep-seated conviction that his destiny lies in challenging and conquering the sport's top talents.