“I Want Beterbiev or Bivol Next”: David Benavidez Outlines His 2026 Plan After His Title Defense Against Anthony Yarde in Saudi Arabia

David Benavidez says he needs to struggle Artur Beterbiev or Dmitry Bivol subsequent after he defends his WBC gentle heavyweight title in opposition to Anthony Yarde on November 22, 2025, on the ANB Enviornment in Riyadh.

Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs) couldn’t get the struggle that he needed in opposition to Canelo Alvarez. He’s not excited by shifting right down to 168 to face Terence Crawford for his 4 belts, and the sensation is mutual on his half.

Benavidez Units His Sights on Beterbiev

“What else is there for me left? For my part, a struggle with Beterbiev or Bivol is subsequent,” stated David Benavidez to Struggle Hub TV. “The fights that I need are Beterbiev and Bivol simply because I wish to problem myself. I wish to be the most effective indisputably.”

Artur Beterbiev would in all probability be Benavidez’s finest guess for a struggle, on condition that Bivol already vacated his WBA title when he was ordered to defend in opposition to him. That transfer confirmed that Bivol didn’t fancy the struggle in opposition to him.

One drawback that might get in the best way of Benavidez preventing Artur is his frequent accidents. He’s 41 on January 26, 2026, and it’s beginning to develop into an issue for him to get harm whereas coaching.

Zurdo Ramirez Turns into Plan B

“If I can’t get that, then my plan is to get a struggle in opposition to Zurdo Ramirez at cruiserweight. I’ve been held again as a result of these different fighters don’t wish to give me a chance, as a result of they know what’s going to occur,” stated Benavidez.

‘The Mexican Monster’ Benavidez added that he doesn’t see anybody else on the market for Gilberto Ramirez to struggle moreover himself. He says that he’s a much bigger title than IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia, and he’s proper. U.S followers are way more conversant in Benavidez than they’re with the Australian Opetaia.

Finally, it might come down as to whether Turki Alalshikh is keen to supply Zurdo Ramirez a better wage to struggle Benavidez quite than Opetaia.

Jai made it clear lately in an interview that he needs to develop into the undisputed champion at cruiserweight by defeating Zurdo Ramirez and Badou Jack. It shouldn’t matter to Opetaia whether or not he fights Ramirez or Benavidez for the belts, however maybe it does.