David Benavidez Wants To Unify At 175

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Feb 13, 2026 5:11 AM ET

David Benavidez insists his move to cruiserweight will be temporary not permanent. After stopping Anthony Yarde in November to defend his WBC light heavyweight title, David Benavidez announced he would jump to 200 pounds for his next outing.

The 29-year-old has targeted a showdown with unified cruiserweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, who currently holds the WBO and WBA titles. While the fight has yet to be officially confirmed, Benavidez made it clear his trip north on the scale won’t last long.

“I’m gonna fight Zurdo Ramirez,” Benavidez said on The Danza Project. “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.”

BENAVIDEZ OUTLINES FUTURE PLAN

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David Benavidez has said he’ll return to 175lbs following taking on Zurdo Ramirez for the WBA/WBO cruiserweight titles.

How does the WBC light heavyweight champ do against Bivol and Beterbiev?

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The Real Target: The Russian Duo

Ever since moving to 175 pounds in 2024, Benavidez’s primary focus has been the division’s elite namely Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev. After Bivol defeated Beterbiev in their rematch to become undisputed champion, the WBC ordered Bivol to face Benavidez next. Instead, Bivol chose to relinquish the WBC belt while pursuing a trilogy with Beterbiev a fight that ultimately stalled, in part due to Bivol undergoing back surgery in August.

Benavidez believes the delay is temporary. “Sooner or later,” he said, “they’re gonna have to see me.”

A fight with Ramirez would be bold. At cruiserweight, Benavidez would be facing a naturally bigger man with championship experience at the weight. Ramirez’s size, output, and durability make him a legitimate threat not a placeholder bout.

But Benavidez has long embraced risk. His pressure, volume punching, and physical strength have translated seamlessly from super middleweight to light heavyweight. A successful run at cruiserweight would only strengthen his case as one of boxing’s most daring champions.

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

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