Four-weight world champion Shakur Stevenson has advised David Benavidez to pursue the “best fight in boxing” instead of simply defending his WBO and WBA cruiserweight titles. Benavidez, nicknamed “The Mexican Monster,” recently became a three-division champion by stopping Gilberto Ramirez in the sixth round during his first fight at 200 pounds. That victory has sparked speculation about a potential matchup with former cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia or even heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
However, Stevenson believes the most compelling option is for Benavidez to return to 175 pounds, where he holds the WBC light-heavyweight title. He earned that belt after Dmitry Bivol vacated it following his undisputed victory over Artur Beterbiev in February 2025. Now that Bivol is preparing to face Michael Eifert on May 30, Stevenson told The Agnew Podcast: “I don’t think I want to see him fight at the 200lb weight class. I would rather see him fight [at 175lbs against] Bivol [or] Beterbiev. I think [Bivol-Benavidez is] the best fight in boxing.” Notably, preliminary talks between Benavidez and Bivol have already begun, adding weight to Stevenson’s suggestion.
