Speaking with Pro Boxing Fans, Ready To Fight CEO Sergey Lapin — a close advisor to Usyk — acknowledged that a matchup with Benavidez would be appealing. “It could be a very interesting fight and definitely one that would attract a lot of attention from fans worldwide. It’s definitely an interesting option for Oleksandr,” Lapin said.

Benavidez‘s dominant win made him a three-division world champion and opened the door to several major opportunities. While an undisputed light-heavyweight clash against Dmitry Bivol remains a possibility, the unbeaten American has also shown interest in eventually moving up to heavyweight.

Benavidez continues building momentum after cruiserweight title win

Benavidez strengthened his reputation last weekend with an impressive stoppage victory over Ramirez in his first fight at 200 pounds. The performance immediately fueled discussion about how far he could go in higher weight classes.

At 29 years old, Benavidez still holds the WBC light-heavyweight title while also carrying momentum from his cruiserweight success. That flexibility gives him multiple options moving forward, including a possible showdown with Bivol or an eventual jump to heavyweight.

Saudi boxing figure Turki Alalshikh has already publicly expressed interest in staging a Benavidez-Usyk fight in 2027, adding even more attention to the idea.

Usyk remains focused on upcoming title defense

Before any future discussions become serious, Usyk still has business ahead of him. The heavyweight champion is preparing to defend his titles against Dutch kickboxer Rico Verhoeven on May 23 at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.

Usyk remains undefeated and continues to be viewed as one of boxing’s top pound-for-pound fighters after victories over Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Daniel Dubois in recent years.

For now, the Benavidez matchup remains only a possibility, but interest around the fight continues to grow as both fighters stay active near the top of the sport.

Speaking on the All The Smoke Fight podcast, Jones urged Benavidez to act quickly if the opportunity against Usyk becomes real. “This is one of the biggest fights of this decade right now. Take it while it is hot, don’t play with ‘em and don’t let ‘em play with you,” Jones said. He added, “Go up and fight Usyk while it is hot, while it makes sense… Be smart about this thing, go and take Usyk while the iron is still hot.”

Jones also pointed out the risk-reward balance for Benavidez if he chooses between top opponents at heavyweight and cruiserweight. He suggested that a loss to Usyk would not close doors completely, while a different path could remove future opportunities at the elite level.

Benavidez has built an impressive résumé, winning titles across super-middleweight, light-heavyweight, and cruiserweight, which has fueled speculation about a historic jump to heavyweight.

Jones believes timing could define Benavidez’s heavyweight future

Jones Jr made it clear that timing is everything in a potential clash with Usyk. In his view, the fight represents a rare opportunity that should not be delayed if it becomes available.

He also refused to dismiss Benavidez’s chances against the undefeated Ukrainian. “In a boxing ring, with those 10oz gloves on, anything can happen,” Jones said, emphasizing the unpredictability of a high-level heavyweight bout.

Heavyweight move remains uncertain as key fights loom

Despite the heavyweight speculation, Benavidez appears focused on securing major fights at light-heavyweight before making any permanent move up in weight. A potential undisputed clash with Dmitry Bivol remains one of the key targets in his immediate future.

For now, the discussion around Usyk remains hypothetical, but the conversation highlights how quickly Benavidez’s career trajectory could shift depending on upcoming opportunities and results.

According to reports from The Ring Magazine, Saudi boxing figure Turki Alalshikh is interested in staging a bout between Benavidez and Usyk in 2027. The proposal comes shortly after Benavidez captured a unified cruiserweight title, further elevating his profile as one of the sport’s most versatile fighters.

Benavidez, who recently said he is focused on legacy, not Canelo Alvarez, now 32-0 with 26 knockouts, had previously downplayed the idea of another jump in weight. However, the conversation quickly shifted as the possibility of a lucrative heavyweight showdown emerged less than two days after his latest win.

Team Benavidez willing to consider the opportunity

Benavidez’s trainer and father, Jose Benavidez Sr., confirmed that they are open to discussing the idea. “Anything’s possible. I’ll sit with David and we’ll discuss it,” he said.

He also mentioned that uncertainty around other potential opponents, like Dmitry Bivol and Jai Opetaia, makes the Usyk fight an interesting option. “Usyk is really good, but with his age, that’s a fight we can consider,” he added.

Usyk, who holds a 24-0 record, is preparing for his next fight against Rico Verhoeven. He has already beaten top fighters such as Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Daniel Dubois during his career.

A fight that could shape the future of both divisions

There is no official date or location yet, but the fight is being discussed for 2027. By then, Usyk will be close to 40 years old, which could play a role in how the matchup is viewed.

For now, Benavidez is expected to take his time before deciding his next move, with a possible return around September. If the fight happens, it would be one of the most interesting matchups in boxing, bringing together two champions from different divisions.

“I definitely feel like with [Canelo] not wanting to take the fight with me has gave me more attention,” Benavidez told ESPN. “But at the end of the day I don’t want to just think about Canelo… I know I’m a star by myself, so I’m there making my own path.”

Benavidez admitted clash with Canelo may never happen, a reality that has pushed him to expand his ambitions after repeated efforts to secure the showdown fell through. He has since moved up in weight and begun targeting top names across multiple divisions, with his upcoming bout at cruiserweight representing both a risk and an opportunity to redefine his standing among boxing’s elite.

Benavidez builds momentum beyond Canelo narrative

Rather than waiting for a marquee fight that may never materialize, Benavidez has taken an aggressive approach to his career. By stepping into a new division and challenging a seasoned champion like Ramirez, he is positioning himself as a fighter willing to chase greatness on his own terms.

The increased attention stemming from the Canelo storyline has, in some ways, worked in his favor. However, Benavidez has made it clear that his long-term goals extend far beyond a single opponent, focusing instead on collecting titles and strengthening his résumé against top-tier competition.

Future targets include Bivol and other elite names

Looking ahead, Benavidez has already identified potential high-profile matchups that could shape the next phase of his career. “I think the biggest fight for me is obviously… Bivol because Bivol has all the belts and that’s really what I’m after,” he said, referencing Dmitry Bivol as a primary target.

He also mentioned interest in facing Artur Beterbiev, while acknowledging the complexities surrounding a potential clash with Jai Opetaia. For now, though, all attention remains on Ramirez, as Benavidez looks to secure a cruiserweight title and further validate his decision to forge a path independent of Canelo.

Benavidez did not hold back when addressing the situation, making his stance clear in a recent interview. “He’s scared – he has no (expletive). That’s what it is. I give Canelo all the respect… but at the end of the day, I was the No.1 contender in two weight classes for a long, long time,” he said on Come And Talk 2 Me, expressing frustration over missed opportunities.

The tension comes as Canelo continues to pursue high-level bouts, including a planned return in September for a world title fight in Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Benavidez has moved divisions and is preparing for his own major challenge, adding further uncertainty to whether this long-discussed matchup will ever take place.

Benavidez questions missed opportunity at super-middleweight

For years, Benavidez pushed for a fight with Canelo while competing at 168 pounds, positioning himself as a top contender. “It’s really a shame because this is a fight everybody wants to see. This is a fight that the fans deserve,” Benavidez added, reinforcing the belief that the matchup was overlooked during a key window.

Future uncertainty clouds potential superfight

As both fighters continue their careers on separate paths, the chances of the fight happening appear increasingly uncertain. Benavidez is now set to face unified cruiserweight champion Gilberto Ramirez, a move that could further distance him from a clash with Canelo.

Still, the possibility has not been entirely ruled out. “I believe in myself and my skills 100%, so… why not give the fans what they want to see?” Benavidez said, leaving the door open for a future meeting under the right conditions.

“Canelo, Bivol, and Beterbiev… I knock out all three. All three in the same night,” Benavidez said in an interview with ESPN Knockout, doubling down when asked which of the three he believed he could finish.

While the claim of beating all three in one night is impossible, it shows how Benavidez is building his “Monster” image and trying to get attention from fans and the boxing world. His goal is to make it impossible for the biggest names to ignore him.

Moving up to light heavyweight

Since moving up to 175 pounds, Benavidez, who recently admitted that a clash with Canelo may never happen, has shown he can hold his own against bigger fighters. He no longer enjoys the size advantage he had at 168, so he now leans more on his speed, combinations, and endurance.

Bivol is one of the toughest challenges. The Russian fighter uses distance, footwork, and a strong jab to control the ring. Experts think he could avoid Benavidez’s attacks and win by points, but Benavidez believes his speed and pressure style can overcome those defenses.

The Beterbiev test

Beterbiev is a very different type of challenge. He is extremely strong and excels at fighting up close. Benavidez is faster and throws more combinations, but taking a solid punch from Beterbiev is a big risk. This fight could go either way, with Benavidez’s youth and stamina against Beterbiev’s power and experience.

Canelo remains the most elusive target. By naming him along with Bivol and Beterbiev, Benavidez keeps the conversation going and builds pressure for a future matchup. His statements, while bold, clearly show he wants to be seen as one of the top fighters at 175 pounds and is ready for the biggest tests in the division.

Canelo Alvarez is entering the final stage of his storied career. For that reason, fans believe it is time for him to take on the challengers he has previously bypassed, most notably Benavidez, who has long been the mandatory contender at super middleweight.

However, Benavidez himself, who Jake Paul has admitted he would never face, has grown tired of waiting for the call from the Alvarez camp. He recently admitted that despite continuous requests from the boxing world, the bout may remain a “what if” in boxing history.

“I feel like I’ve moved on, but I don’t think the people have moved on, to be honest with you,” Benavidez told TMZ Sports. “I always have hope that the fight is going to happen because the fight is too big — it’s too big a fight to leave it on the table.”

Retirement looms for Canelo

In recent interviews, Canelo Alvarez has stated his intention to retire by age 37; he is currently 35. However, his most recent performances suggest that his departure from the ring could come sooner than expected.

Last September, Canelo was defeated by Terence Crawford in a result that stunned the boxing community. Crawford, who moved up two weight classes to secure the win, unexpectedly retired shortly after, leaving Canelo without the immediate opportunity for a rematch to avenge the loss.

Without a clear path to a high-profile victory, the idea of retirement seems to be weighing more heavily on Alvarez. While he remains a legendary figure, his performance against Crawford proved that his physical prime may be behind him.

Could Canelo Alvarez face Jake Paul?

Jake Paul has repeatedly voiced his desire to step into the ring with Canelo Alvarez. While both men are coming off losses, Alvarez may now view a bout against the “Problem Child” as a viable financial opportunity before hanging up the gloves.

Following Paul’s dramatic knockout loss to Anthony Joshua in March 2026, a matchup with Alvarez could serve as a “bounce-back” opportunity for both. However, taking such a fight would likely signal the definitive end of Canelo’s status as an elite professional contender, shifting his legacy toward the “celebrity boxing” circuit.

Paul is set to meet Joshua on December 19 in what represents the biggest test of his boxing journey to date. As he continues to grow within the sport, Paul has revealed the one challenger he would outright refuse to fight: David Benavidez.

“There’s a very short list of people that I wouldn’t step into the ring with, and Benavidez is on that list,” Paul told ESPN. “That guy is different. His power, his speed, his cardio, his nonstop punching and relentless pressure. Your punches don’t mean s— to him. He has giant forearms that go from the bottom of his hip to the top of his head. You can’t get through his guard.”

A hidden message for Canelo Alvarez?

It is well known that Jake Paul has long pursued a fight against Canelo Alvarez. It is also no secret that the Mexican superstar has avoided a matchup with David Benavidez in recent years, leading many to interpret Paul’s comments about Benavidez as a subtle message aimed directly at Canelo.

Paul has proven himself to be a master at creating controversy. Fully aware that a bout against Alvarez would elevate his career to another level, Paul may be using the Benavidez remark as bait—suggesting that if Canelo continues to avoid his most dangerous rival, Paul could position himself as the alternative.

Earlier this year, reports surfaced that Canelo and Paul were in talks for an exhibition bout. However, the fight ultimately fell apart, and Alvarez opted to face Terence Crawford instead—a decision that proved costly, as he suffered a defeat.

A win over Joshua would change everything for Paul

There is little doubt that Anthony Joshua represents the toughest challenge Jake Paul has ever faced. Despite a difficult stretch in recent years, the British heavyweight remains in strong physical condition and, crucially, active—factors that significantly raise the difficulty level of this matchup.

If Paul were to defeat Joshua, a former world champion with global recognition, it would mark a complete turning point in his boxing career. A clean, controversy-free victory would give Paul the credibility he needs to justify a fight against elite active boxers—and could finally open the door to the long-sought showdown with Canelo Alvarez.

[Watch David Benavidez vs Anthony Yarde online in the US on DAZN]

David Benavidez returns to the ring for his first WBC light heavyweight title defense, and he’ll do it against seasoned British challenger Anthony Yarde in a matchup that instantly elevates the Night of Champions card.

The Mexican Monster faces one of the division’s most explosive punchers, creating a volatile mix of power, urgency, and high-stakes drama that boxing fans won’t want to overlook—so make sure you’re locked in when the bell rings.

When will the David Benavidez vs Anthony Yarde fight take place?

This highly anticipated WBC light heavyweight boxing showdown between David Benavidez and Anthony Yarde is set for this Saturday, November 22, at 9:00 PM (ET).

David Benavidez vs Anthony Yarde: Time by State in the USA

ET: 9:00 PM
CT: 8:00 PM
MT: 7:00 PM
PT: 6:00 PM

How to watch David Benavidez vs Anthony Yarde in the USA

You can watch the 2025 boxing fight between David Benavidez and Anthony Yarde in the United States on DAZN.

While both fighters have publicly downplayed the chances of meeting in the ring, former world champion Tim Bradley offered a compelling analysis on what such a matchup could look like. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Bradley didn’t hesitate to break down the potential challenges for Crawford.

Bradley highlighted that Benavidez’s size and power would be a serious test for Crawford. “You have the skillset of Crawford and everything else he brings, but these guys have skills too and they’re bigger than him. That’s difficult. Canelo was the perfect size and style for Crawford, but when you start fighting giants like Benavidez who bring the size, volume, stamina, determination to win, the skill along with that,” he explained.

How Bradley sees the fight playing out

Bradley emphasized that Benavidez, currently the WBC light heavyweight champion, would bring both skill and physicality. “Benavidez is willing to walk through the fire to get his way in a fight, making him dangerous,” Bradley said.

He ultimately suggested the fight could be highly competitive, estimating a near-even matchup: “That’s a hell of a match-up. 60-40 either way, 55-45, 50-50, whatever you want to call it, but you never want to count out Terence Crawford, he’s that damn good.”

What’s next for Crawford?

Despite the buzz, Crawford’s coach recently hinted that the superstar might not return to the ring without a massive payday. Analyst Bernie Davis suggested that Crawford could hold out unless offered upwards of $100 million — a sum unlikely outside of another mega-fight scenario like his recent bout with Canelo. For now, the boxing world waits to see whether Crawford will seek another high-profile showdown or take a step back after cementing his legacy.

Among the names immediately thrown into the mix was David Benavidez, the undefeated power puncher who for years had pursued Canelo without success. Yet, while fans and promoters began dreaming of Crawford-Benavidez as the next mega-fight, the Arizona native made his stance crystal clear — it’s not happening.

It all started when Turki Alalshikh, the Saudi boxing powerbroker behind the Canelo-Crawford fight, hinted at his next dream matchup. “Can David Benavidez still make 168 pounds?” he posted on X (formerly Twitter), a message that quickly went viral and reignited a debate over Benavidez’s future.

Why David Benavidez won’t step into the ring with Crawford

During an October 6 interview with Fight Hub TV, Benavidez addressed the growing speculation and explained why a fight with Crawford is off the table — for good.

“I’m done with [super middleweight],” Benavidez said. “I want to take this opportunity to congratulate Crawford. He put on a hell of a performance. He’s up there with the Mount Rushmore of the greatest fighters of all time. Let Crawford do his thing, bro. At the end of the day, I have no interest in fighting Crawford. I have no interest in fighting at 168.”

The WBA light heavyweight champion — who currently fights at 174 pounds — was unequivocal about his priorities. “I wouldn’t even go to 168 for Canelo,” he added. “Let Crawford have his thing. He’s a great fighter. I’m done at 168.”

Even $120 million wouldn’t change his mind

When pressed about the possibility of fighting Crawford for a massive payday, Benavidez didn’t flinch. Asked whether he would consider dropping down to 168 pounds for $120 million, he dismissed the idea.

“I mean, $120 million sounds good,” he admitted. “But honestly, at the end of the day, no. They won’t give $120 million. I don’t think Canelo got $120 million to fight Crawford. No, man. I’m done at 168. They can throw whatever money they want at me.”

It’s a firm statement from a fighter known for his power, discipline, and self-belief. While boxing fans may still dream of a Crawford-Benavidez showdown, the “Mexican Monster” has made it clear — his time at super middleweight is over, and no amount of money will change that.