“I want to make the biggest and best fights happen,” Benavidez said. “There’s a lot of tough fights out there. There’s Dmitry Bivol, Artur Beterbiev, and Jai Opetaia.”
Benavidez explained that Bivol stands as the most logical target if he moves back to 175 pounds following the Ramirez fight.
“Bivol, because he has all the belts at light heavyweight,” Benavidez said. “Then the other monster, Beterbiev. By the time I’m done, I want it so they can’t say I’m not the best.”
Bivol currently holds the IBF, WBA, WBC, and WBO titles at light heavyweight after defeating Beterbiev in their 2025 rematch to become the undisputed champion of the division. That victory established Bivol as the central figure at 175 pounds and the opponent many contenders now view as the standard in the weight class.
Benavidez (29-0, 24 KOs) previously held the WBC interim title at light heavyweight before agreeing to face Ramirez at cruiserweight, a move that could leave him holding titles in a second division before a possible return to 175 pounds, where Bivol and Beterbiev remain the leading champions. Benavidez has said repeatedly that he wants to face the strongest available opponents during this stage of his career.
Benavidez also mentioned Canelo Alvarez as a potential opponent, although he acknowledged the fight may never happen.
For now, his immediate task remains the Ramirez fight. Still, his comments made clear that Bivol stands as the opponent he wants if he returns to the light heavyweight division.
Benavidez will face Ramirez (47-1, 30 KOs) on May 2 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
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