Whittaker Maintains Hope For Benavidez Fight

Ben Whittaker has not given up on facing David Benavidez even after the Mexican-American moved to cruiserweight.

The British heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight told ESPN he remains interested in the matchup despite Benavidez abandoning the 175-pound division. Whittaker had previously called out Benavidez when both competed at light heavyweight.

What Benavidez's Weight Move Means For Potential Fight

Benavidez's shift to cruiserweight complicates the path to a clash with Whittaker, who would need to add significant weight to meet the Mexican-American at 200 pounds. The former two-time middleweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">super middleweight champion moved to heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight in 2024 before deciding to jump another weight class.

Whittaker, an Olympic silver medalist, has campaigned at light heavyweight since turning professional in 2022. A meeting with Benavidez would likely require either Benavidez to drop back down or Whittaker to bulk up for a catchweight.

No timeline has been reported for when the fight might happen or which weight it would take place at.

Reported via:

• ESPN Boxing — Whittaker still hopeful of future Benavidez clash