David Benavidez next fight is shaping up to have a distinctly British flavour after the unbeaten American power-puncher vowed to become a self-described “Brit basher” by taking on one of the UK’s top light-heavyweights. The two-time world champion has provocatively set his sights on Callum Smith or Anthony Yarde as his next opponent a bold call-out that has grabbed the attention of British boxing fans. In an interview on the Pound 4 Pound podcast, the 28-year-old Benavidez teased that he’s coming to take down a British fighter next, firing up intrigue on both sides of the Atlantic.
David Benavidez Next Fight Contenders
Benavidez, nicknamed the “Mexican Monster,” isn’t shy about his plans. “Right now, we’re thinking about either Callum Smith or Anthony Yarde,” Benavidez said, referring to two of Britain’s standout light-heavyweights. “Obviously, those are the two top guys in that division. More likely Callum Smith. We’re kind of thinking about making that fight happen here in the U.S.” The Phoenix-born star’s blunt “Brit basher” talk essentially declaring he’ll beat up a Brit in his next fight comes across as fighting words aimed at UK fans. It has quickly made headlines in British boxing circles, ensuring Benavidez’s next fight will be must-watch news in the UK.
For UK readers unfamiliar with Benavidez, the American’s reputation is as big as his unbeaten record. At 28 years old, David Benavidez is a former two-time WBC super-middleweight world champion who has now moved up to campaign at light-heavyweight (175 lbs). Standing 6ft 2in tall with an imposing pressure-fighting style, he earned the moniker “Mexican Monster” from legend Mike Tyson and has lived up to it. Benavidez’s recent form has been red-hot.
Earlier this year he defeated Cuba’s highly rated David Morrell in an exciting bout to claim interim titles at 175 lbs, improving his ledger to 30-0 (24 knockouts). That victory positioned him as a top contender in the division and set the stage for his call-out of Britain’s best. Rather than bide his time or take an easy tune-up, the hard-hitting Benavidez wants a major fight to stay sharp – and he’s targeting British fighters to get it.
Benavidez’s move to light-heavyweight comes after he cleaned out most of his competition at 168 lbs and struggled to land a mega-fight with Mexican superstar Canelo Álvarez. Frustrated by the lack of big-name dance partners at super-middleweight, Benavidez has set his sights on conquering the 175 lb division. He currently holds the WBC interim light-heavyweight title (and a secondary WBA belt), making him the mandatory-in-waiting for the full world title. By challenging a Brit who holds another piece of the title puzzle, Benavidez is looking to fast-track a shot at the division’s unified champions. It’s an ambitious plan one that now puts two of Britain’s own in the crosshairs of this ferocious rising star.
Callum Smith in David Benavidez’s Sights
The frontrunner for David Benavidez next fight appears to be Liverpool’s Callum Smith, and it’s easy to see why. Smith, 35, is a former WBA world champion at 168 lbs and is currently the WBO interim light-heavyweight champion. The Liverpool fan-favorite boasts a record of 31-2 (22 KOs) and is fresh off a hard-fought victory over Joshua Buatsi in February, where he claimed the interim 175 lb title. That win re-established Smith as a top contender and proved his warrior credentials, setting up a potential slugfest with Benavidez that has boxing pundits salivating. Benavidez himself acknowledged Smith as the more likely next opponent, given Smith’s status. “More likely Callum Smith,” he said of his options, clearly zeroing in on the WBO interim champ as his target.
From a British perspective, a Benavidez vs. Smith showdown would be a massive event. Smith is one of the UK’s most accomplished fighters of recent years the tall, hard-hitting Scouser who won the World Boxing Super Series at super-middleweight before moving up. A clash with the marauding Benavidez would pit Smith’s timing and body-punching against the American’s volume and aggression. Importantly, it would also carry high stakes: Smith’s WBO interim belt would likely be on the line, and victory for either man could secure a shot at the division’s unified champion down the road.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has indicated interest in making Benavidez vs. Smith a reality, and talks have reportedly been ongoing. With the WBO recently allowing unified champ Dmitry Bivol to pursue a trilogy fight with Artur Beterbiev, Smith isn’t immediately obligated to a title shot freeing him up for a blockbuster bout with Benavidez later this year. The major hurdle could be logistics: Benavidez suggested the fight would “happen here in the U.S.” (he’s a marquee name on American soil), which means British fans might have to travel or stay up late to watch their man in action.
Callum Smith, a proud Liverpudlian, likely won’t mind going to America for a high-profile fight – he’s chased big opportunities abroad before. For UK fans, seeing Smith step into a U.S. ring against the heavily hyped “Mexican Monster” would be both nerve-wracking and thrilling. Can the Brit defuse Benavidez’s ferocity, or will Benavidez make good on his promise to bash a Brit? It’s the kind of matchup that would have pubs in Liverpool and boxing venues across the UK buzzing on fight night.
What a Smith vs. Benavidez Clash Means
If Callum Smith ends up as Benavidez’s next opponent, it would be one of the most intriguing UK-vs-USA fights of the year. A win for Smith would be monumental arguably the biggest of his career – instantly rebounding him from previous losses and propelling him toward another world title shot. British supporters would herald Smith for derailing the Benavidez express and defending UK pride. On the other hand, a win for Benavidez over a respected British champion would cement his status as a true threat at light-heavyweight.
It would also hand Smith his first loss to someone not named Canelo, underlining just how real the Benavidez next fight hype is. Benavidez has openly stated that beating Smith would give him the WBO strap and “one step closer” to forcing a showdown with Bivol or Beterbiev. British fans might not love his confidence at their man’s expense, but many do respect Benavidez’s willingness to take on a dangerous fight rather than sitting idle. In an era where big fights can be hard to make, Benavidez calling out Smith feels refreshingly direct – and it’s a fight that could deliver absolute fireworks in the ring.
Anthony Yarde Also in the Mix
What if it’s not Callum Smith next, but Anthony Yarde who gets the call? Benavidez named Yarde as the other British fighter on his radar and while he admitted Smith is the likelier foe, Yarde remains a viable option. Yarde, 31, is a popular Londoner known to UK fans for his fan-friendly, explosive style and fearless attitude. Sporting a record of 27-3 (24 KOs), Yarde has challenged for the world title twice before, giving a very brave effort against Russia’s Sergey Kovalev in 2019 and against Artur Beterbiev in a thriller in early 2023. Although he fell short in those attempts, Yarde’s stock with British fans remains high. He’s a come-forward “Beast from the East” (as his nickname goes) who’s always willing to take on the toughest opponents. Securing Benavidez as his next fight would certainly fit that mold and offer Yarde another shot at boxing glory.
Yarde’s name being in the conversation is significant. For one, it shows Benavidez wasn’t just name-dropping Smith; he genuinely is open to fighting any top British light-heavyweight. By calling Yarde one of the “top guys in that division,” Benavidez gave the London puncher his respect. From Yarde’s point of view, the opportunity to face Benavidez would be huge. It’s a chance to upset a highly touted unbeaten star and catapult himself back into the title mix. Yarde is coming off a domestic victory in April (a points win over Lyndon Arthur) and has rebuilt some momentum with four straight wins since the Artur Beterbiev loss. A showdown with Benavidez, however, would be a giant step up again the kind of high-reward gamble the East London fighter has never shied away from.
How likely is Benavidez vs. Yarde? It likely hinges on whether the Smith fight can be made. Yarde is promoted by Frank Warren (Queensberry Promotions), while Smith is with Eddie Hearn (Matchroom). Benavidez’s team appears to be leaning toward Smith, probably because of the title implications. If negotiations with Smith were to falter due to financial terms, scheduling, or any other reason Yarde could very well get the nod. The prospect of Benavidez-Yarde is particularly intriguing for UK fans: it could even open the door for the fight to land in London, given Yarde’s drawing power at home.
Imagine Benavidez, who’s vowed to bash a Brit, walking into a packed O2 Arena or a stadium in the UK against a fired-up Anthony Yarde. The atmosphere would be electric. Yarde’s team would no doubt relish bringing such a big name to British soil. Still, Benavidez has indicated a preference for fighting on American turf, so any Yarde bout might require him to travel stateside as well.
A High-Stakes Opportunity for Yarde
For Anthony Yarde, being Benavidez’s chosen opponent would be both a huge opportunity and a formidable challenge. A victory would rank as one of the great recent wins by a British fighter on away soil instantly erasing the sting of Yarde’s past near-misses and setting him up for a world title shot. British fans who have followed Yarde’s journey know he’s come agonizingly close to the summit; beating Benavidez would finally put him over the top. It’s the kind of fight where Yarde’s underdog status could rally UK support in a big way.
On the flip side, a loss to Benavidez, especially if it’s decisive, would be a tough setback, showing that Yarde fell short once again at the elite level. Nevertheless, Yarde has never been one to back down from a test, and his inclusion in Benavidez’s next fight shortlist underscores that he’s still regarded as a dangerous contender.
In the coming weeks, negotiations and boxing politics will determine which Brit gets the nod. Benavidez’s team is clearly keen to make a fight sooner rather than later, as the Arizona native doesn’t want to sit idle while the Bivol-Beterbiev saga concludes. That urgency could benefit fans we might see a deal struck for a summer or autumn showdown. Benavidez’s next fight being against a Brit also underscores the increasing trend of big transatlantic fights, something British boxing fans always get excited about. From the local gyms in Liverpool to the East End pubs in London, the debate is on: who stands a better chance against David Benavidez – Smith or Yarde?
