David Benavidez Light Heavyweight Return Confirmed – Title Plans Revealed

David Benavidez (29-0, 24 KOs) was last seen in action against Oleksandr Gvozdyk, in what was his debut at light heavyweight. “The Monster” extended his 100% professional record against the Ukrainian, winning by unanimous decision with scorecards reading 119-109, 117-111 and 116-112. The fight was the co-feature of Gervonta Davis-Frank Martin on June 15. His promoter Sampson Lewkowicz has told Dan Rafael at Fight Freaks Unite that Benavidez is recovering well and will return to action later this year.

David Benavidez Next Fight: Return Confirmed and Future Plans Hinted

Benavidez vs. Winner of Bivol-Beterbiev

Sampson Lewkowicz told Fight Freaks Unite that Benavidez will return to action on a date to be confirmed in December.The heavy-handed Arizona native will defend his WBC interim light heavyweight belt against an opponent to be announced on a PBC on Prime PPV card.

Read More: ‘I’m Willing to Take the Challenge’: David Benavidez Talks Future Mega Fight at Light Heavyweight

Speaking on the return of his fighter and revealing his full title expectations, Lewkowicz said: “He will defend his interim title and then the next one we expect him to fight the winner of Artur Beterbiev-Dmitry Bivol.”  Assuming Benavidez comes through his interim title defence, a potential match-up against the winner of Bivol-Benavidez is a mouth-watering prospect.

Light Heavyweight and Recovering from Injury

Benavidez destroyed all opposition at super middleweight before moving up to take on a new challenge at light heavyweight – winning the vacant WBC interim strap in his first fight in the division. The move up in weight seemed to stem from Canelo Alvarez’s refusal to fight him.

Read More: Five Most Memorable Canelo KOs Including Light Heavyweight Glory

During the build-up to the fight against Gvozdyk, Benavidez suffered a torn ligament in his right hand and also suffered an injury to his left hand during the contest. Lewkowicz does not seem overly worried by a potential delay in the recovery: “The injuries have been taken care of by a hand specialist.” Rafael further reported in his substack that Benavidez is not yet cleared to resume punching but should be cleared to begin in around 60 days.