David Benavidez is set for an intriguing cruiserweight clash next month as he challenges for Gilberto Ramirez’s unified titles at 200lbs.
‘The Mexican Monster’ is keen to build on his legacy and has accepted a daring step up for this scrap with WBA and WBO champion Ramirez, who has lost only once in his 49 career fights to date.
Benavidez remains the WBC light-heavyweight world champion and has vowed to return the 175lbs division, regardless of the outcome of his clash with ‘Zurdo’, planning on challenging Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed light-heavyweight throne.
Speaking on the Unscripted podcast with Josh Mansour, recently stripped two-time IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia revealed that he expects Benavidez to come out on top, despite his inexperience at the weight.
“I reckon Benavidez will get it. It will be a good fight and there will be a lot of punches thrown because both of them are just workhorses, they are typical Mexicans.”
Opetaia then went on to plead for the opportunity to face the victor, keen to regain a traditional world title.
“I don’t care who wins. Please, let’s just fight [the winner] afterwards.”
Opetaia was the first major signing of Dana White’s promotion, Zuffa Boxing, and fought for the organisation’s cruiserweight belt in his debut. Because of this, he was stripped of the IBF belt he fought so hard to win on two occasions.
It means that he no longer presents the opportunity to unify the division in the traditional manner, meaning that, other than challenging one of the best fighters in the division, there lies no championship reward for Benavidez or ‘Zurdo.’