David Benavidez furthered his claim as one of the best fighters in the world earlier this month and is already seeking another fight to enhance his legacy.
Benavidez became a three-division world champion when he dominated and stopped Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez to claim the unified WBA and WBO cruiserweight world titles in a performance of the year candidate.
‘The Mexican Monster’ now has plenty of options, with a drop back down to light-heavyweight for an undisputed clash with Dmitry Bivol top of his list. The 29-year-old has also not ruled out fighting again at cruiserweight, while also teasing a heavyweight move in the future.
If he does remain at 200lbs, Zuffa Boxing’s Jai Opetaia is by far the most intriguing option. The two-time IBF world champion is widely considered the division’s top dog.
Despite Opetaia’s calls for the fight to happen, his team have now been accused of being not so forthcoming. Speaking with MillCity Boxing, Jose Benavidez Sr – father and trainer to David – revealed that his calls are not being returned.
“Opetaia is talking all of this s**t, I’mma come back [to it]. I’m gonna give you a little secret. Remember what I am telling you right now, I have got proof. I have been talking to his manager, I have been trying to talk to ‘em. They are not responding, they are not responding to the phone calls.
“I sent Opetaia [a message saying], ‘Listen I know that you want to fight, help me out, get me to your manager. Let’s talk about this fight, he has my number, tell him to call me. Let’s make it happen.’
“The thing is, sometimes, these fighters want to fight but their managers and the team knows that he is not ready for David – that is why they are not reaching out.”
Opetaia has also been linked to a shot at WBC cruiserweight world champion Noel Mikaelian, steadfast in his goal to become undisputed despite recently being stripped of the IBF belt due to complications with his first Zuffa bout.
