David Benavidez Says Dmitry Bivol Is The Only Fight He Wants

Benavidez dismissed Oleksandr Usyk and Jai Opetaia talk while pushing for an undisputed light heavyweight clash with Bivol

David Benavidez says Dmitry Bivol is the only opponent he wants next despite growing talk about possible fights against Oleksandr Usyk and Jai Opetaia. Benavidez made it clear his priority remains becoming undisputed at light heavyweight after stopping Gilberto Ramirez to win cruiserweight titles earlier this month.

Benavidez has been linked to several possible fights since the victory, including Jai Opetaia and Oleksandr Usyk. He says none of those fights are on his mind because his focus is locked on becoming undisputed at light heavyweight against Dmitry Bivol.

“I set these goals out for myself. Bivol is really the only fight I want, that I truly want, because he has all the belts. I really want those belts. I want those accolades. That’s the only thing I want right now,” said Benavidez to the Porter Way podcast.

“I’m not thinking about Opetaia, I’m not thinking about none of these guys, because this is the fight I want. It makes sense for both of us.”

Benavidez has also cooled talk of a fight with Jai Opetaia in recent months despite repeated callouts from the Australian cruiserweight. Benavidez previously said the fight could be pushed back “two or three years” following Opetaia’s move to Zuffa Boxing and the loss of his IBF title.

Bivol returns later this month to defend his IBF, WBA and WBO light heavyweight titles against Michael Eifert. A victory could move him closer to a fight with Benavidez, although Artur Beterbiev still remains a major factor after the two already fought twice in undisputed battles.

Eddie Hearn recently said there is a loose agreement in place for a third Bivol-Beterbiev fight, which could delay Benavidez getting the fight he wants.

Benavidez has repeatedly pushed for the Bivol fight since moving through 168 and 175, and his latest comments make it clear he sees undisputed status at light heavyweight as the priority ahead of any cruiserweight unification or heavyweight move.

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