Three-division world champion David Benavidez has mapped out his immediate professional future, revealing a three-fighter hit list that forms the backbone of his upcoming promotional contract. Holding an undefeated record as he climbs through weight classes, Benavidez has established himself in the cruiserweight division following a dominant victory over unified world champion Gilberto Ramirez earlier this year.
Having captured the WBA (Super) and WBO titles in the 200-pound division, Benavidez is preparing for a unification showdown against WBC titleholder Michal Cieslak in December. Looking beyond that December bout, the fighter known as “The Mexican Monster” plans to sign a new three-fight agreement to cement his ambition of becoming the face of boxing and claiming the undisputed cruiserweight crown.
During an appearance on the Last Stand Podcast with Brian Custer, Benavidez named Australian cruiserweight rival Jai Opetaia as the first opponent on his target list. The path to facing Opetaia depends on the resolution of an ongoing lawsuit between the fighter and the IBF sanctioning body, which could result in Opetaia being reinstated as their recognized champion.
Should Opetaia ultimately not regain his position as the IBF cruiserweight world champion, alternative plans are reportedly taking shape for the division. Viddal Riley and David Nyika could potentially compete for the vacant IBF title in early 2027, contingent upon Riley successfully navigating his upcoming bout against Seydi Coupe next month.
The second and third names on Benavidez’s targeted roster are Artur Beterbiev and Oleksandr Usyk. Beterbiev has remained inactive since suffering a defeat to countryman Dmitry Bivol in February 2025, while Usyk has been plotting his next career steps following a victory over Rico Verhoeven in May.
Discussing the potential matchup with Usyk, Benavidez acknowledged some uncertainty regarding the weight class for that encounter, noting it could take place at cruiserweight or heavyweight. Despite the logistical hurdles and differing promotional landscapes, Benavidez expressed absolute confidence that the bouts will materialize.
“Those are three great fights that need to happen and they are going to happen,” Benavidez told the podcast. “I am not just sat here saying that I am going to fight these guys and I am never going to fight them, I am going to fight these guys because these are the guys that I want to fight.”
