Retired boxing great Terence Crawford has publicly advocated for David Benavidez to face undefeated Australian Jai Opetaia next, highlighting a potential cruiserweight showdown. This high-profile suggestion came as part of a list of 12 anticipated matchups Crawford shared on his X account on Sunday, September 20, 2026.
Benavidez, known as ‘The Mexican Monster’, is currently slated for a three-belt unification bout against newly elevated WBC cruiserweight ruler Michal Cieslak on December 12 in Phoenix, Arizona. This fight marks Benavidez’s continued pursuit of dominance in the 200-pound division after his decisive move up in weight earlier this year.
Terence Crawford’s bold vision for cruiserweight stardom
Terence Crawford’s endorsement of Jai Opetaia as David Benavidez’s preferred opponent underscores a broader perspective on compelling matchups in boxing. Crawford, a former pound-for-pound king, frequently uses his platform to champion fights he believes fans truly want to witness.
His recent social media post outlined a dozen hypothetical contests across various weight classes, featuring top-tier champions and leading contenders. It’s notable that Crawford, who achieved undisputed status in three weight classes, did not include himself in any of these proposed pairings, maintaining his current retired status.
Crawford’s selections spanned divisions from flyweight through heavyweight, pairing elite athletes in hypothetical clashes. His specific call for Benavidez to face Opetaia suggests a belief that this particular matchup offers significant fan appeal and competitive intrigue.
Benavidez Solidifies Cruiserweight Presence
David Benavidez made a significant leap earlier this year, stepping up 25 pounds from light heavyweight to cruiserweight. He debuted in the 200-pound division in May, facing Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez for his unified WBA and WBO world titles and halting the champion in the sixth round.
This dominant performance signaled his serious intent in his new weight class, with ‘The Mexican Monster’ now committed to cruiserweight domination. He’d initially intended to return to light-heavyweight, but following this impressive debut, Benavidez has unequivocally stated his intention to remain in the cruiserweight division.
His decision not to return has opened doors for other contenders. Two British boxers may now vie for the vacant WBC light-heavyweight crown, a direct consequence of Benavidez’s pivot to cruiserweight. This move solidifies his commitment to the 200-pound division.
December Bout Against Michal Cieslak
Benavidez’s immediate focus remains on his scheduled December 12 showdown against Michal Cieslak in Phoenix, Arizona. This upcoming bout provides Benavidez with an opportunity to unify more titles and further cement his position as a top contender in the cruiserweight division.
Cieslak, recently elevated to WBC cruiserweight ruler, presents a tough test for Benavidez as he looks to add a third belt to his collection. The fight carries significant weight for Benavidez’s career, as victory would pave the way for bigger matchups, potentially including the one envisioned by Terence Crawford.
Jai Opetaia: The Unbeaten Cruiserweight Contender
Jai Opetaia, the fighter Crawford singled out for Benavidez, has maintained an impressive unbeaten record, currently standing at 31-0. He was last in action earlier this month, securing a stoppage victory over Noel Mikaelian, a performance that further solidified his standing in the cruiserweight ranks.
However, despite his undefeated run, Opetaia presently holds no world titles. He was controversially stripped of his IBF belt after defeating Brandon Glanton in March, a decision that has left many in the sport questioning the politics of championship boxing. His talent, though, remains undeniable, making him a formidable challenger.
While a fight between Benavidez and Opetaia won’t happen this year, the winner of Benavidez-Cieslak will be ordered to face the Australian in the fight that follows. Reports suggest a potential Cinco De Mayo show could feature both the cruiserweight duo and Ryan Garcia.
Crawford’s advocacy for this particular pairing stems from Opetaia’s proven skill and unblemished record. He represents the kind of significant challenge that could truly elevate Benavidez’s status in the cruiserweight division.
The Unlikely Crawford-Benavidez Confrontation
Despite Terence Crawford’s keen interest in Benavidez’s career trajectory, a fight between the two men themselves remains highly improbable. Crawford, who became the undisputed super middleweight champion on September 13, 2025, after defeating Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, has consistently rejected the idea due to a significant size disparity.
Following Crawford’s victory over Alvarez, Turki Alalshikh, a prominent figure in boxing, posted on X on September 14, 2025, questioning if Benavidez could still make 168 pounds, hinting at a potential clash. But Crawford’s trainer, Brian ‘BoMac’ McIntyre, dismissed these claims on September 15, 2025, stating, “No, we ain’t doing that fight.”
McIntyre indicated Crawford needed to rest after a six-month training camp for the Alvarez fight. Crawford himself has stated on the Pound4Pound podcast that Benavidez is “a big dude” and “six foot something” who could rehydrate to 190-200 pounds, making him too large. He remarked, “I might as well go to heavyweight if I fight Benavidez.”
For his part, David Benavidez, currently the WBC light-heavyweight champion, has also ruled out moving back down to super middleweight (168 pounds) to fight Crawford. He told Fight Hub TV, “I have no interest in fighting Crawford,” and “I have no interest in going down to 168.”
Benavidez added that he wouldn’t even go down to 168 pounds for Alvarez, despite holding the WBC world title twice at super middleweight previously. His move to light-heavyweight came after a fight with Alvarez never materialized, further solidifying his commitment to higher weight classes. Crawford has also suggested Alvarez avoided fighting Benavidez due to his size advantage, despite Alvarez’s history of fighting larger opponents.
Looking Ahead for Benavidez and Cruiserweight Boxing
David Benavidez’s path in the cruiserweight division is now clearly defined, with a challenging unification bout against Michal Cieslak on the horizon. A victory in December would propel him towards a mandatory clash with Jai Opetaia, a fight that promises high-level action.
Terence Crawford’s outspoken support for the Benavidez-Opetaia matchup highlights its appeal to boxing purists and fans alike. It underscores a desire within the sport for compelling, competitive fights that genuinely test top contenders and champions. The cruiserweight division stands poised for significant developments in the coming year.
