David Benavidez on Saturday became the first fighter ever to win titles at super middleweight, light heavyweight and cruiserweight, and Gilberto Ramirez’s blood on his gloves had barely had time to dry before talk turned to Benavidez moving up to heavyweight – and not just for any fight, but specifically in a matchup against unified and linear heavyweight champ Oleksandr Usyk.
The money and prestige for such a match would be like nothing Benavidez has yet seen, but the same holds true for the risk. Meanwhile, several fights – viable, lucrative, legacy-building fights – are likely available to Benavidez at light heavyweight and cruiserweight (and possibly even his old super middleweight stomping grounds). So we put the question to our esteemed BoxingScene staff: At what weight should David Benavidez fight next?
Declan Warrington: Cruiserweight. A fight with Jai Opetaia to determine the best cruiserweight in the world is both the most significant and most entertaining that both fighters can realistically be involved in. Dates with Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol at light heavyweight also have considerable appeal, but the best fight at 175lbs would be a third fight between those two, not one involving Benavidez. It’s also essential, given that their all-Russian rivalry is level at 1-1. There shouldn’t be any talk of Benavidez fighting at heavyweight until, at the very earliest, he proves himself the world’s best cruiserweight. It’s not that long ago he was at super middleweight – and his only win at cruiserweight came against another former super middleweight. Not that it comes as a surprise that the figure who wanted to match Naoya Inoue with Gervonta “Tank” Davis thinks putting Benavidez in the ring with Oleksandr Usyk is a good idea.
David Greisman: Cruiserweight. We just saw what might be the best version of David Benavidez yet, which is saying something given some of the names on his record at super middleweight and light heavyweight. Yes, I would still love to see a bout between Benavidez and Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed championship at 175. And, yes, I believe that Benavidez can drop back down to light heavyweight somewhat comfortably given his body composition. But barring Bivol or Artur Beterbiev agreeing to fight Benavidez before the end of 2026, let’s see whether a deal can be done with Jai Opetaia for what would be the biggest cruiserweight fight in years.
Lucas Ketelle: Whichever weight class offers him the best big fight. It’s a lame, noncommittal answer, but hear me out: Outside of Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, Benavidez has three potential matchups that should excite everyone: Bivol, Opetaia and Beterbiev. Bivol and Beterbiev are at light heavyweight, and Opetaia is the other great cruiserweight. His next fight should be against one of those three fighters, and at this point, that should dictate his weight class – as long as he is willing to move back down in weight.
Tris Dixon: Do you know what? I don’t really mind. All I know is that after Saturday, I want to see him again regardless of the weight, and I’d take Canelo at 175 (no chance), Bivol at 175lbs, Beterbiev or Opetaia. The talk of heavyweight seems fanciful and unnecessary. Point to Roy Jones Jnr all you want, but with all due respect, Benavidez is not Roy and Oleksandr Usyk is definitely not John Ruiz. Those talking about that kind of match can, for me, go back to talking about Tank and Inoue, et al.
Matt Christie: I don’t often disagree with Tris, but I’d be fascinated to see those fast hands of Benavidez in the heavyweight division. Failing that, a contest with Jai Opetaia would be a cracker. I have zero interest in a matchup with Canelo at this point and, given the amount of weight he’s just put on, a drop back to light heavyweight might not be the best idea.
Jason Langendorf: In the afterglow of Saturday night, Benavidez seems capable of almost anything. But he and his team should ask themselves not only “Why heavyweight?” (easy answer) but “Why now?” Benavidez was fighting at 168 as recently as two and a half years ago, and a move to heavyweight – even against a former cruiser in Usyk – would mean facing opponents 50lbs heavier, bare minimum. At 29, Benavidez has bankable fights against Bivol, Opetaia and – who knows? – perhaps Canelo that can still be made in three other divisions. Handle what’s in front of you, move up slowly (if at all) and remember the cautionary tale of Roy Jones – who was never the same after beating Ruiz and moving back down in weight.
