Benavidez Eyes Historic Fight With Usyk

December 26, 2024
2 months
Benavidez Eyes Historic Fight With Usyk

David Benavidez is open to a historic fight involving Oleksandr Usyk.

The Mexican Monster’s comments were in response to Usyk’s victory against Tyson Fury. The Ukrainian beat the Gypsy King for the second time, this time with a unanimous decision to retain his unified heavyweight titles. The victory extended his undefeated record to 23-0, as he retained his position as the best heavyweight of this era. Benavidez discussed a potential fight, given that he currently fights at 175 pounds. Benavidez’s team has previously stated that he is open to moving up to cruiserweight, a weight class that Usyk previously competed in.

Usyk was the former Undisputed Cruiserweight Champion, a title he defended successfully when he stopped Tony Bellew in his last fight at the weight class. Benavidez’s team has previously said they would be open to moving up to cruiserweight to face off against the WBO and WBA Cruiserweight Champion Zurdo Ramirez. Usyk’s team has also suggested that he could move back down to cruiserweight now that he has achieved everything in the heavyweight division. 

Benavidez On Morrell

But before that can happen, Benavidez must overcome his next opponent in the form of David Morrell Jr. The pair are set to face off on February 1. They recently held their media workout, which was marred by controversy. The two fighters nearly let their tempers flare over. Benavidez first initiated the confrontation by pushing Morrell away. The Cuban refused to back down and responded by throwing his belt in the direction of Benavidez. Luckily, security intervened to shut down any further escalation. Benavidez admitted that the belt could have injured him. Benavidez was ready to inflict some pain.

“Anybody that watches this fight is going to have a great time watching this. I’m coming in 100% ready. I’ve been training for almost four and a half months. I’m not leaving any stone unturned, and I’m very motivated for this fight. Not only to go in there to get the victory, but to get the knockout. I’m going to go in there, and I’m going to hurt David Morrell. I’m going to make him eat all his words, and when I knock his [behind] out and take his belt, he’s going to know who the best in the world is,” Benavidez said

Benavidez On Usyk

A victory for Benavidez puts him in a mandatory position for the winner of Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitri Bivol. The pair will fight on February 22 for the Undisputed Light Heavyweight Championship. Beterbiev won the first fight, beating Bivol by a majority decision. If Benavidez wins, he will likely pursue the undisputed fight before considering a move up to cruiserweight. But even if he did move up to cruiserweight, Benavidez recognized that he was not ready to face off against Usyk. His aim was to fight Usyk if the Ukrainian continued into his forties. 

“I don’t think I have enough experience to go against Usyk. Never say never. Maybe in the future, but as of right now, I’m just focused on these guys. Maybe in five or six years, but in that time, he’ll probably be around 40 [try 42 or 43],” Benavidez said

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