David Benavidez says Artur Beterbiev is the kind of opponent who would allow him to prove to himself that he is the best fighter in the world.
Benavidez is coming off a major win over Gilberto Ramirez in May, stopping him in the sixth round to become a three-division world champion in his first fight at 200lbs. He now holds the WBO and WBA titles at cruiserweight.
The 29-year-old has since become the mandatory challenger to WBC champion Noel Mikaelian, who regained his belt with a unanimous decision win over Badou Jack in December. Mikaelian appears to be a likely next opponent, with Benavidez’s current promotional deal with Al Haymon’s PBC nearing its final fight.
After that, Benavidez plans to renegotiate his contract and chase bigger fights at 175lbs, where he still holds the WBC title. Dmitry Bivol remains one possible target, though Bivol has been ordered to defend his WBO belt against Callum Smith.
Benavidez, however, made clear that Beterbiev is a fight he wants for his legacy. “That’s a fight I definitely want for my career,” he said. “Not to prove it to other people, but to prove it to myself that I really am the best fighter in the world.”
Beterbiev defeated Bivol in 2024 to become undisputed light heavyweight champion, before losing their immediate rematch by the same majority decision verdict.
Image Credit: The Ring