LAS VEGAS — Three-weight world champion David Benavidez has officially ruled out a return to the light-heavyweight division, confirming his intention to remain at cruiserweight to pursue a long-term reign. The 29-year-old, who captured the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles in May by stopping Gilberto Ramirez, stated that he feels at his physical peak in his current weight class.
“No, I am not returning to light-heavyweight,” Benavidez told Ring Magazine’s Mike Coppinger. “I feel great at this weight-class, I don’t have to lose weight, I have never felt as good as I did for my last fight. So, I want to be the reigning champion for a long, long time.” Benavidez has already vacated his WBA regular belt at 175lbs and is expected to relinquish his WBC title in the same division.
This strategic shift permanently removes the possibility of a high-profile matchup against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez. While Alvarez has competed at light-heavyweight previously, a move to the 200lbs cruiserweight limit is considered unlikely for the Mexican icon. The decision effectively closes the book on a long-standing rivalry that fans had hoped to see materialized when both fighters were active at 168lbs.
Benavidez’s decision also complicates potential bouts against light-heavyweight contenders Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev, though he remains focused on his immediate future at cruiserweight. He is scheduled to face Michał Cieślak in December with the opportunity to secure the WBC cruiserweight belt. Should he succeed, a future unification bout against Jai Opetaia is expected to follow in 2027.