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David Benavidez: 'I’m Not Gonna Run From Anything'

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Oct 2, 2025 11:45 AM ET

David Benavidez knows the pain of being avoided. Once frozen out of big fights at super middleweight, the unbeaten power puncher now finds himself as the man to beat at light heavyweight. And rather than cherry-pick his way forward, Benavidez insists he’s embracing danger every step of the way.

Eight months ago in Las Vegas, Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs) made a statement by outworking and outpunching the slick, undefeated David Morrell. That win positioned him as the WBC light heavyweight champion, but when Benavidez pushed for a showdown with undisputed king Dmitry Bivol, the Russian vacated his WBC crown instead of making the mandatory defense.

Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs) is expected to face Artur Beterbiev for a trilogy clash once he recovers from back surgery. In the meantime, Benavidez has turned to another dangerous option.

Turki Alalshikh eyes a Riyadh Season Supercard in February 2026 with David Benavidez and Devin Haney as potential feature fighters if both win and are healthy following their bouts at The Ring IV on Nov 22nd, Mike Coppinger has revealed #InsideTheRing l Latest episode… pic.twitter.com/gTWBGRggij

— InsideRingShow (@InsideRingShow) September 30, 2025

On November 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Benavidez will headline The Ring IV card against Anthony Yarde (27-3, 24 KOs), a British contender known for his explosive power. Yarde has previously been stopped by both Beterbiev and former champion Sergey Kovalev, but his reputation as a heavy hitter makes him a live threat.

Benavidez’s Philosophy: No Easy Nights

Appearing on Inside The Ring with Max Kellerman and Mike Coppinger, Benavidez made it clear that he’s not in the sport to play it safe.

“You guys know I’m gonna take every single one of ‘em. I’m not gonna run from anything, because at the end of the day this is my destiny,” Benavidez said. “I’m sick of seeing fighters getting the easiest fights just because they’re getting the biggest paychecks. It’s not even about money. It’s about giving the fans the fights they deserve.”

For Benavidez, the fans’ investment comes first:

“They’re paying the money at the end of the day … let’s go to war. Let’s do what these people wanna see us do, go to war and may the best man win.”

A win over Yarde would not only keep Benavidez’s perfect record intact. But also bolster his claim as the true threat in a division dominated by Bivol and Beterbiev. And if either champion emerges from their trilogy intact, Benavidez’s willingness to take risks might be the key to finally forcing one of those long-awaited super fights.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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