David Benavidez Focused on 175 Legacy But Jai Opetaia Looms as Future Superfight

David Benavidez has options big ones. But for now, the undefeated WBC light heavyweight champion is staying disciplined in his pursuit of greatness at 175 pounds. Even with blockbuster fights at cruiserweight and heavyweight being floated, Benavidez is making it clear: legacy at light heavyweight comes first.

Benavidez (31-0, 25 KOs) is preparing for a massive showdown with Gilberto Ramirez in a Prime Video pay-per-view main event at T-Mobile Arena. A win would make him a champion in a third division and immediately open the door to even bigger opportunities.

One of those possibilities? A high-stakes clash with unbeaten IBF and Ring cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia, a fight that would generate serious global interest if Benavidez remains at 200 pounds. But Benavidez isn’t looking past the task at hand. “I’m coming back to light heavyweight,” he emphasized. “I don’t want anybody to get it wrong.”

Despite previously entertaining the idea of moving up to heavyweight, Benavidez is pumping the brakes on that jump at least for now. “These are big guys. This is an extremely different type of power,” he said.

Instead of chasing immediate size advantages or payday fights, the 29-year-old is taking a calculated, long-term approach. “If I think about heavyweight, maybe that’s like five, six years from now.”

The Real Target: Bivol and Beterbiev

Benavidez’s true focus remains clear cleaning out the light heavyweight division.

At the top of his hit list:

• Dmitry Bivol

• Artur Beterbiev

“I’ve been telling you guys I wanna get Bivol and then Beterbiev,” Benavidez said. “Those are the two fights I want… and I know all the world of boxing wants to see.”

Bivol, who currently holds multiple belts, is expected to face Michael Eifert next as part of a major card in Egypt. If he wins, a potential third fight with Beterbiev could delay Benavidez’s path to undisputed adding another layer of intrigue to the division.