David Benavidez has delivered a blunt assessment of Dmitry Bivol’s boxing ability as he ramps up his pursuit of an undisputed light-heavyweight world title. Speaking to Luis Parra on June 24, 2026, the three-weight world champion revealed that his confidence stems from a series of high-intensity sparring sessions at Churchill Boxing, where he claims to have physically overwhelmed the Russian technician.
The 29-year-old Phoenix native, who secured the WBC Light Heavyweight Title in April 2025, has made it clear that becoming the undisputed ruler of the 175-pound division remains his ultimate priority.
Sparring history fuels David Benavidez’s confidence in victory
While David Benavidez recently moved up to the cruiserweight ranks in May 2026 to capture the unified WBA (Super) and WBO titles against Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, he insists he can return to light-heavyweight at any time to face the elite of the weight class.
The rivalry between the two pound-for-pound stars is deeply rooted in training sessions that took place around 2019. David Benavidez, who was between the ages of 19 and 22 during these encounters, claims he sparred Dmitry Bivol “a lot” and gained a unique insight into the champion’s strengths and weaknesses.
It was during their final session that David Benavidez believes he proved he has the tools to dethrone the unified champion.
During that specific encounter, David Benavidez recounted trapping Dmitry Bivol against the ropes and unleashing a “20-piece combination” until the round ended. He stated that the flurry left Dmitry Bivol’s legs “wobbled” and that the Russian’s corner chose to end the session immediately after. “I know Bivol really well,” David Benavidez said.
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“If you can touch somebody in sparring, you can touch somebody in a fight.”
A test against a future Hall of Famer
Despite his aggressive claims, David Benavidez was careful to acknowledge the technical skill of his rival. He described Dmitry Bivol as a “great champion” and a “future Hall of Famer,” admitting that a professional bout would be a significant test of his own abilities.
This respect, however, is coupled with a belief that Dmitry Bivol is deliberately avoiding a matchup because he has seen the “Mexican Monster” up close and personal.
David Benavidez suggested that Dmitry Bivol’s reluctance to sign a contract stems from the physical pressure he experienced during their time at Churchill Boxing. “He knows what it is when it comes to David Benavidez,” the fighter remarked.
This narrative of a champion avoiding a dangerous challenger is a common theme in the sport, similar to how Shakur Stevenson dismisses immediate fights in favor of specific legacy-defining opportunities.
The road to undisputed light-heavyweight status
The immediate future for the light-heavyweight division remains congested as Dmitry Bivol is still expected to navigate a trilogy showdown against Artur Beterbiev. This ongoing rivalry between the two established champions has temporarily sidelined other contenders. Consequently, David Benavidez has focused on a reported three-fight plan that began with his victory over Gilberto Ramirez on May 2, 2026.
In that cruiserweight debut, David Benavidez secured a knockout win over Gilberto Ramirez to add the WBA and WBO cruiserweight belts to his collection. Despite this success in a higher weight class, his eyes remain fixed on the 175-pound landscape. He currently holds the WBA (Regular) and WBC Light Heavyweight Titles, positioning him as a primary obstacle for whoever emerges from the Bivol-Beterbiev trilogy.
Strategic moves across weight divisions
By moving between light-heavyweight and cruiserweight, David Benavidez is maintaining his activity and leverage. This versatility allows him to wait for the light-heavyweight logjam to clear while still collecting world titles.
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His recent rejection of other bouts in favor of high-profile targets mirrors similar pivots in the industry, such as when David Benavidez targets a showdown with established names like Canelo Alvarez over mandatory cruiserweight defenses.
The technical contrast between David Benavidez’s high-pressure style and Dmitry Bivol’s boxing acumen remains one of the most discussed topics among fans. While Dmitry Bivol is often praised for his smart, tactical approach, David Benavidez argues that his own volume punching and physical durability would be the deciding factors.
He remains adamant that “all those belts are leaving with David Benavidez” once the two finally meet in the professional arena.
Forecasting a potential 2027 collision
While fight fans are eager for an immediate clash, industry experts suggest a 2027 date is more realistic for a Benavidez-Bivol fight. Dmitry Bivol’s commitment to the Beterbiev trilogy remains the primary obstacle. This delay gives David Benavidez time to further cement his status in the cruiserweight division or defend his existing 175-pound titles against alternate opponents.
The outcome of the Bivol-Beterbiev saga will ultimately dictate the stakes for David Benavidez’s next move. If Dmitry Bivol retains his unified titles, the demand for a showdown with the “Mexican Monster” will reach a fever pitch.
For now, David Benavidez continues to use his past sparring successes as a psychological tool, reminding the boxing world that he has already seen the champion’s “wobbly” legs once before. In a sport where fights like Fury vs Joshua can take years to materialize, the wait for an undisputed light-heavyweight king continues.
