David Benavidez isn’t waiting for a golden invitation - he’s charging through the 175-pound division with a plan. With the WBC and WBA 'regular' light heavyweight titles already around his waist, the 27-year-old has now set his sights on grabbing the WBO interim belt - and the names on his hit list are Callum Smith and Anthony Yarde.
“I’m leaning toward Callum Smith,” Benavidez told the Pound 4 Pound podcast, pointing to the strategic value of Smith’s interim title. “That puts me one step closer to forcing the Bivol or Beterbiev winner into the ring with me.” The Mexican-American powerhouse believes the more belts he holds, the harder it will be for the winner of Dmitry Bivol vs. Artur Beterbiev 3 to keep avoiding him.
The Bivol-Beterbiev trilogy has dominated headlines, with both men reportedly earning $10 million apiece in their rematch. But while money talks, Benavidez questions whether either man is willing to face a relentless, younger opponent who thrives on pressure. “If I’m so beatable, then why avoid the fight?” he said. “If they don’t take it, what does that say?”
Some insiders speculate Bivol might vacate rather than risk his legacy against Benavidez, especially after a shaky 12th round against Beterbiev earlier this year. Meanwhile, Benavidez appears undeterred—focused, active, and ready to clear out a division that’s still figuring out its hierarchy.
With Turki Alalshikh shaping the top end of the division and a fourth Bivol-Beterbiev fight not off the table, Benavidez is preparing for every outcome. And if the door slams shut on undisputed, he’s already hinted at going up another level—cruiserweight, where Jai Opetaia awaits.
Read more about Benavidez's career here.
Image Credit: PBC