David Benavidez warns Dmitry Bivol ahead of potential 175 clash

On May 2, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV, David Benavidez defeated Gilberto Ramirez in the headline fight of a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on Prime Video and DAZN. The event was promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Sampson Boxing in association with TGB Promotions.

It was a brutal performance from Benavidez, as he became the first fighter to stop Ramirez, making him the unified WBA/WBO cruiserweight champion, while also retaining the WBC light heavyweight title. While appearing on The Porter Way Podcast.

David Benavidez becomes the unified cruiserweight champion

Benavidez (32-0, 26 KOs) settled in at cruiserweight like a duck to water. He quickly showcased exceptional hand speed and power, which negated anything Ramirez (48-2, 30 KOs) had to offer. Benavidez looked unbothered by the power of Ramirez and was prepared to be hit to fire off a five-or six-punch combination. 

El Monstruo scored a knockdown in round four and in the sixth round landed another hurtful combination, forcing Ramirez to take another knee. Ramirez was unable to continue, crowning Benavidez the new unified WBO/WBA cruiserweight champion, while still holding the WBC light heavyweight title. 

Benavidez wants Bivol next

After Benavidez’s victory, many speculated what he would do next, with some even hoping he would move to heavyweight, while some wanted him to fight Jai Opetaia, with Benavidez saying: “I’m not going to go there and fight for a Zuffa title.”

Speaking on The Porter Way Podcast, Benavidez confirmed talks have happened for him to move back down to light heavyweight and face Dmitry Bivol:

“We’re already in talks with that,” he said. “But first things first. We got to see how he comes out, like if he comes out with any injuries. I don’t think he’s going to have any problems in that type of way. But that fight is definitely happening.”

“For a fight to change, and a fight to end, it only needs one second, or one good combination. I’ve told you guys, over and over, that I did this to Zurdo Ramirez in the ring. I’ll do the same thing to Dmitry Bivol. I’m not trying to be cocky. I’m not trying to be disrespectful, but those are just the facts,” added David Benavidez. 

David Benavidez vs Dmitry Bivol

Benavidez is relentless, and he showed that against Ramirez. The speed and power he carried at cruiserweight were frightening, but Bivol has proven he has the ring IQ to deal with big punchers, as proven by his two wars with Artur Beterbiev.

Bivol is a brilliant defensive fighter who impressively controls the distance during his fights. The swift 1-2 combination he throws will be vital against Benavidez, and he will need to throw this in between El Monstruo’s work. 

This would be a fascinating match-up. Bivol is due back in action against Michael Eifert on May 30, defending his WBA, IBF, and Ring Magazine titles. It remains to be seen how Bivol has recovered after back surgery, but a 100% Dmitry Bivol vs David Benavidez is a mouth-watering prospect for all boxing purists.