In a sport where rivalries shape legacies, one prediction has everyone talking: Ben Whittaker sees a possible collision course between David Benavidez and Dmitry Bivol — and his take might surprise you.
David Benavidez, the hard-hitting fighter known as “The Mexican Monster,” appears ready to shake up boxing’s weight classes once again. With plans to step up to cruiserweight next spring, his long-term future remains uncertain. Despite moving up to face new challenges, Benavidez has hinted that a return to light-heavyweight — and potentially a showdown with Britain’s Ben Whittaker — isn’t out of the question.
After an emphatic victory over Anthony Yarde last weekend, which allowed him to retain his WBC light-heavyweight title in style, Benavidez wasted no time announcing his next move. On May 2, 2026, he’ll climb an astonishing 25 pounds to face unified cruiserweight world champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez. That fight promises fireworks — but it also significantly reshapes the picture at 175 lbs.
By shifting divisions, Benavidez effectively steps away from long-rumored bouts with Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev — two Russian powerhouses who once ruled the light-heavyweight scene. Bivol, the more technical of the two, currently holds three of the four major championship belts, while Beterbiev remains a fearsome puncher regarded by many as one of the most ruthless finishers in the sport.
Meanwhile, Britain’s own Ben Whittaker — 9 wins, no losses, and one draw (with six knockouts) — continues to build momentum. His rise under Matchroom Boxing takes a crucial step this weekend at Birmingham’s NEC, where he faces Benjamin Gavazi. While it may not be a fight that shakes the foundations of the division, Whittaker’s blend of charisma, sharp reflexes, and Olympic pedigree have many fans believing he’s destined for superstardom.
When Boxing News caught up with Whittaker recently, one question dominated the conversation: how does he see Benavidez faring against the likes of Bivol or Beterbiev if those fights ever materialize? Whittaker didn’t hold back.
“Those two are veterans at that weight — proper light-heavyweights,” he explained. “They’ve got the size, experience, and know-how to get it done. In my view, Bivol’s the one who could beat Benavidez. He can box and he can fight, no doubt about it. But we keep hearing stories from sparring… apparently, Benavidez knows something the rest of us don’t. So who really knows?”
That last remark sparked debate, as fans recalled Benavidez’s own revelations about those sparring encounters with Bivol from several years ago. While nothing is officially in the works, the stories give a fascinating glimpse into what might one day unfold.
“I sparred Bivol plenty of times,” Benavidez told Boxing News in a separate interview. “He’s an excellent fighter, no question. But I remember hurting him badly in the fourth round once. I was only 22 then, about six years ago, but I saw openings — things I could exploit. He’s great, but I know what I can do.”
And this is where things get truly intriguing — could sparring insights from the past hint at future domination, or are they just gym stories best left in memory? Some fans believe Benavidez’s power and confidence could overwhelm even the most technical fighters, while others insist that Bivol’s poised, defensive mastery would neutralize any threat.
So, what do you think? Would Benavidez’s ferocity overpower Bivol’s precision, or would Bivol’s tactical brilliance once again prove that skill beats strength? Drop your thoughts in the comments — this one’s bound to divide opinions.