David Benavidez has been backed to move up to heavyweight and defeat Oleksandr Usyk.
Benavidez emulated Usyk’s previous feat by becoming a cruiserweight world champion on Saturday in Las Vegas.
‘The Mexican Monster’ destroyed Zurdo Ramirez in the sixth round to become the unified WBA and WBO champion.
Usyk will defend his WBC heavyweight crown against ex-kickboxing champion, Rico Verhoeven in Giza, Egypt on May 23.
Saudi Arabian boxing chief, Turki Alalshikh is now keen to make a Usyk-Benavidez showdown next year.
“@Turki_alalshikh wants to make Oleksandr Usyk vs. David Benavidez for the heavyweight championship in 2027, @ringmagazine has learned,” The Ring’s Mike Coppinger posted on X.
“Benavidez moved up to cruiserweight Saturday and won two titles with a KO victory of Zurdo Ramirez.
“Usyk returns May 23 to defend his Ring Magazine heavyweight championship vs. Rico Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza.”
Top trainer, Robert Garcia believes the 29-year-old would defeat the Ukrainian in two years.
“He will be champion at heavyweight,” Garcia told ES News.
“Give him a couple more fights at cruiserweight.
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“I don’t know how long Usyk’s going to fight for.
“Give him two or three more fights and then go to heavyweight and then Benavidez beats Usyk.
“Usyk is what 38?
“Two more years, I think Benavidez beats him.”
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Benavidez is expected to return to light heavyweight where he holds the WBC belt.
The American is seeking an undisputed title clash with Dmitry Bivol, whom he called out afterwards.
Bivol is first set to defend his unified light heavyweight titles against Michael Eifert on May 30 in Russia, although the WBO title will not be on the line.
“Bivol is the number one on my hitlist,” he said.
“He’s a great competitor, a great champion, but I’m a great champion too.
“I just want to test myself every single fight.”
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