David Benavidez has proven that he is not afraid of any challenge in boxing, but one rumoured opponent is hoping that he ‘hasn’t scared Benavidez’ off from a potential cruiserweight battle.

‘The Mexican Monster’ reigned as the WBC light-heavyweight champion, but made the 25lb jump from 175lbs to 200lbs earlier this year to challenge for Gilberto Ramirez’s unified WBA and WBO titles – and scored an emphatic knockout to claim both belts.

Now, should he come through Michal Cieslak unscathed in December, Benavidez has revealed a three-fight plan that includes a potential undisputed title showdown with Jai Opetaia, a clash with Artur Beterbiev, and a possible move up to heavyweight. 

When discussing the proposed battle with former undisputed light heavyweight champion Beterbiev, Benavidez joked to The Ring that he respects Beterbiev for pursuing a fight with him despite being ’45 years old’.

“Beterbiev has definitely reached out to our team. He’s actively been trying to make that fight. We want to give him what he wants. You know, I respect Beterbiev. He’s about 45 years old, and the fact he’s calling me out, I have great respect for him.”

In response, Beterbiev – who is actually 41 years old – has posted a training clip onto his Instagram, hinting at a future fight with Benavidez in the caption.

“I hope nobody was scared off by my ’45-year-old’ physique!” 

Beterbiev, who has a 90% knockout ratio from his 22 fights, is also being touted for a light-heavyweight trilogy with fierce foe, Dmitry Bivol, where a victory could tee up a mammoth meeting between he and Benavidez for mid-to-late 2027.