LAS VEGAS — David Benavidez is aiming to solidify his status as a pound-for-pound elite, with his father and trainer, Jose Benavidez Sr., revealing an ambitious four-fight roadmap that concludes with a move to the heavyweight division. The plan follows Benavidez’s successful transition to cruiserweight earlier this year, where he secured a six-round knockout victory over unified world champion Gilberto Ramirez.
Speaking with ProBox TV, Benavidez Sr. detailed the sequence, which begins with a target date in December against WBC cruiserweight world champion Michal Cieslak. The proposed schedule continues with bouts against Jai Opetaia and a matchup with either Artur Beterbiev or Dmitry Bivol, setting the stage for a potential heavyweight debut against former WBA, WBO, and IBF world champion Andy Ruiz Jr.
“After that we would love make a fight with Andy Ruiz Jr.,” said Jose Benavidez Sr. “We are just dreaming here but those are the fights that are very possible to make. I told him that I think those fights are possible to make. Imagine David Benavidez-Andy Ruiz! I want to give a big shoutout to Andy Ruiz, he is a great fighter and my heart is with him, he is like family to me.”
Ruiz recently returned to the ring after a two-year hiatus, suffering a defeat against Damian Knyba earlier this month. Despite the loss, the 37-year-old has expressed his intent to continue his career. Benavidez Sr. remains optimistic about the potential pairing, noting, “I believe that he would love the same—an opportunity to fight ‘The Mexican Monster’—and for us it would be a great opportunity.”