This Saturday, boxing fans will witness an electrifying rematch in Riyadh as Artur Beterbiev takes on Dmitry Bivol for the light heavyweight championship. Among the spectators will be David Benavidez, an undefeated fighter at 30-0 with 24 knockouts, who has accepted an invitation from Turki Alalshikh to witness the bout from ringside. This is an opportunity for Benavidez to observe the tactics of these powerful fighters up close, especially as he eyes a future title shot against the victor.
The significance of Benavidez’s attendance cannot be overstated. Being WBC mandatory, he is directly in line for a championship fight, but the pressures of previous battles loom large. His recent bout against David Morrell left him with noticeable facial swelling, a testament to the intensity of their exchange in the ring. This win was significant, but it highlighted the stark contrast between Benavidez’s punching volume and Morrell’s raw power.
Looking ahead, should Beterbiev triumph on Saturday, it is almost a foregone conclusion that Benavidez will be next in line for a shot at the undisputed title. However, that prospect raises questions about how well Benavidez can handle Beterbiev’s relentless strength. Observers note that while Benavidez is a volume puncher, he might struggle to make an impact against someone like Beterbiev, who has a reputation for absorbing punishment while dealing out his own with devastating force.
Conversely, if Bivol emerges as the victor, Turki has indicated that a trilogy fight with Beterbiev is on the horizon. For Benavidez, this would mean potential wait time, but there are strategic advantages to this as well. Trilogies tend to generate immense interest and lead to well-compensated fights, and it’s possible that Benavidez could capitalize on this situation by fighting on the undercard against notable contenders such as Joshua Buatsi, Anthony Yarde, or perhaps a rematch with Morrell.
In addition to targeting the current light heavyweight conflict, Benavidez and his father, Jose Benavidez Sr., have openly expressed interest in moving up to cruiserweight if opportunities in the light heavyweight realm don’t materialize. A bout against IBF champion Jai Opetaia could create headlines and spark interest among fans. Furthermore, fighting Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, despite the latter’s previous defeats, could still draw crowds due to the reputation and style both fighters bring to the ring.
Benavidez finds himself at an intriguing crossroads that will shape his career’s trajectory in 2023. As he gears up to witness pivotal moments in Riyadh, the outcomes could set the stage for his next big fight, either against the likes of Beterbiev or in an entirely new weight class. The boxing landscape remains fluid, and Benavidez stands as a prime player in the unfolding drama.