Undefeated WBC Light Heavyweight Champion David Benavidez visited the Seattle Seahawks’ practice facility on Thursday, June 4, 2026, marking a high-profile “championship crossover” between elite boxing and the NFL.
David Benavidez, who holds world titles in three weight classes, met with Seattle Seahawks Head Coach Mike Macdonald, quarterback Sam Darnold, and linebacker Derick Hall at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Washington to exchange insights on championship preparation and grit.
The visit, sanctioned by the World Boxing Council (WBC), allowed the Phoenix-born fighter to observe the defending Super Bowl champions during their morning practice. David Benavidez watched from the sidelines, witnessing the routines that helped establish the Seahawks as one of the premier franchises in the league.
The undefeated champion currently boasts a perfect 32-0 record with 26 knockouts, having recently added unified cruiserweight titles to his light heavyweight crown.
This intersection of professional disciplines highlights a growing trend of elite athletes sharing tactical philosophies across different arenas. While some observers note that Christian Mbilli presents a challenge for Canelo in the ring, David Benavidez is focusing on his own legacy by absorbing the culture of a Super Bowl-winning organization.
The event celebrated the shared values of discipline and hard work required to maintain dominance at the highest level of sport.
David Benavidez and Derick Hall exchange shadowboxing tips
Following the conclusion of the Seahawks’ practice session, David Benavidez and linebacker Derick Hall engaged in a hands-on training demonstration. The fighter, often referred to by his nickname “The Mexican Monster,” taught Derick Hall the fundamentals of shadowboxing while the linebacker offered insights from the football side of professional athletics. The session allowed both men to compare the mental toughness needed for their respective crafts.
The physical disparity between the two did not hinder the technical exchange. Derick Hall noted the significance of training alongside a fighter of Benavidez’s caliber. “It’s great to have two champions from different sports. Their mentality is similar to ours, and we both seek greatness. It was a special moment,” the linebacker stated after the session ended.
This type of cross-discipline respect is becoming a hallmark of the modern sporting landscape. Whether it is veteran legends like Roberto Duran identifying smart opponents or younger champions visiting NFL camps, the pursuit of “championship DNA” remains a universal goal. For the Seahawks, the presence of an undefeated champion reinforced the vision established by the current coaching staff.
Custom WBC belt honors Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl win
As a formal gesture of respect between the two championship entities, David Benavidez presented the organization with a custom-made WBC championship belt. This specific piece of hardware featured the Seattle Seahawks’ branding and commemorated the team’s iconic victory in Super Bowl LX. The gift represents the bridge between boxing’s most recognized governing body and a top-tier NFL franchise.
WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán expressed his gratitude to the Seahawks for their hospitality. He described the visit as a “tremendous opportunity” to celebrate the values that unite champions across all disciplines, including excellence and dedication. The belts are rarely commissioned for non-boxing entities, making the custom strap a significant mark of prestige for the Seattle front office.
The WBC’s involvement comes at a time of high activity for the council’s champions. With the Gualtieri-Jones bout approaching and other divisions seeing title shifts, the WBC has maintained a steady presence in major American sports markets. The crossover with the Seahawks ensures the council’s brand remains linked with mainstream athletic success.
Mike Macdonald welcomes the 12th Man champion
Head Coach Mike Macdonald spent time with David Benavidez following the training session, discussing the fighter’s vision for his career and character. The coach expressed a deep respect for Benavidez, noting that the fighter identifies as a “12,” a reference to the Seahawks’ dedicated fan base.
“I love the fact that he has a vision of what kind of fighter and person he wants to be. We share that with him as a team,” Macdonald said.
To finalize the visit, the Seahawks officially welcomed David Benavidez into their community by presenting him with a custom Seahawks jersey. The jersey featured his surname and the number 12, honoring the franchise’s legendary supporters. The exchange solidified a relationship that saw the Arizona native embraced by the Pacific Northwest’s most popular sports team.
For David Benavidez, the visit serves as a brief pause in a rigorous career that currently spans three weight classes. Since winning the WBC light heavyweight title in April 2025, the champion has continued to dominate the rankings. By aligning with a winning culture like that of Mike Macdonald’s Seahawks, Benavidez continues to build a brand that resonates far beyond the boxing ring.
