David Benavidez is set to make his highly anticipated return to the ring before the close of the year, continuing his campaign to conquer cruiserweight .

The undefeated 29-year-old last appeared in May, delivering a stellar knockout victory over Gilberto Ramirez.

That dominant performance secured him unified status and firmly established Benavidez as a premier force at 200lbs. Despite previously stating that he would drop back down to light-heavyweight, he has changed his mind and looks to ‘dominate’ at cruiserweight.

The next step of that journey has now been officially confirmed. Benavidez will put his WBO and WBA titles on the line in a unification showdown against newly elevated WBC world champion Michal Cieslak, with the high-stakes battle locked in for December 5. The fight will be broadcast live on DAZN PPV, with details on location – expected to be Phoenix, Arizona – and undercard to be confirmed.

Benavidez had originally revealed that he would face Cieslak on December 11, however the event has now been brought forward to avoid a clash with Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua’s mega fight.

The Polish champion boasts an impressive knockout ratio and will look to legitimise his upgraded WBC status. His two career defeats came at the hands of former champions Ilunga Makabu and Lawrence Okolie, though he has never been stopped. That will be the statement Benavidez looks to make, after becoming the first man to KO Ramirez.

He will step through the ropes a significant favourite, and has already been linked Jai Opetaia in 2027 – the division’s best available match-up by some distance.