David Benavidez says he won’t turn down a fight against Artur Beterbiev next if it’s offered to him after his title defense of his WBC light heavyweight belt against Anthony Yarde on November 22nd.
The former undisputed 175-lb champion Beterbiev (21-1, 20 KOs) is fighting Deon Nicholson on the Benavidez-Yarde undercard at the ANB Arena in Riyadh. With the two power punchers fighting on the same card, it’s the ideal set-up to drive interest in a fight between ‘The Mexican Monster’ Benavidez and Artur Beterbiev to happen next.
Benavidez accepts Artur Beterbiev challenge
Beterbiev wanted to fight a trilogy match against Dmitry Bivol next, but the match failed to happen after Bivol’s decision not to continue negotiations. Luckily for Artur, he’s got the possible option of challenging Benavidez for his WBC title if Turki Alalshikh chooses to make that fight happen if both fighters win their preliminary contests on the November 22nd event on DAZN PPV.
“Right now, I’m in a position where my opportunity is in the form of a Russian monster. So, I can’t say no. Even if they offer me the fight, I can’t say no,” said David Benavidez to Fighthype when asked about his thoughts on Artur Beterbiev potentially being his next big opponent after his title defense on November 22nd.
It’s obviously not the fight that Benavidez has been pushing for against Canelo Alvarez, but there’s no interest on the superstar Alvarez’s part in fighting him. As such, Beterbiev is the next best fighter Benavidez can take.
Bivol vacates WBC title, avoids Benavidez
He’s already sparred Bivol and dominated him. In that sparring session, Benavidez saw that his style was all wrong for Bivol. Hence, it’s not a shock that Dmitry chose to recently vacate his WBC title rather than defend it against Benavidez when he was his mandatory.
Why Beterbiev is the real test
The real tough fight for Benavidez is against Beterbiev because he’s got the power, inside punching ability, and non-stop attacking pressure style to give him problems.
“First things first, I’m going to take care of this fight, and I’m going to look great in this fight,” said Benavidez about his clash against Anthony Yarde. “If they offer me Artur Beterbiev, then that’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to take every opportunity I can get.
“To prove your greatness, the greater fighters have to take tougher fights to prove themselves. I’m going to be 29 next year. I have confidence in myself and my abilities. If that’s what it’s going to be, then I’m 100% ready for that,” said Benavidez about a fight against Artur Beterbiev.
“The money won’t be as good, but once I beat Artur Beterbiev, there’s no doubt in anybody’s mind that I’m the best 175-pounder,” said Benavidez. “The only fighter I’d have to face is Bivol, and I’d go up there and beat Bivol, too. This is everything I’ve asked for.”
Last Updated on 08/08/2025
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