David Benavidez Loses Light Heavyweight Title

David Benavidez has been dropped from the WBA's heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight rankings as its regular champion, following his move up to cruiserweight, the organization confirmed in its September 30 update. He retains his WBC light heavyweight title.

Dmitry Bivol remains WBA super champion at 175, with Albert Ramirez holding interim status. The change comes after the WBA asked Benavidez last month to clarify which division he intended to continue fighting in.

Benavidez moved up in May, stopping Gilberto Ramirez in the sixth round to claim the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles, where he's now listed as WBA super champion.

Benavidez appears set to remain at 200 pounds, with the WBC elevating Michal Cieslak to full champion and sanctioning a mandatory defense against Benavidez — the winner expected to face unbeaten Jai Opetaia next.

Ramirez's promoter, Camille Estephan, says he expects his fighter to be elevated to full WBA champion, though the organization has yet to confirm that move.