“I want to make the biggest and best fights happen,” Benavidez said. “There are a lot of tough fights out there. There’s Dmitri Bivol, Artur Beterbiev and Jai Opetaia.”
Benavidez explained that Bivol stands as the most logical target if he moves back to 175 pounds after 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 light heavyweight titles 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 consider the standard in the weight class.
Benavidez (29-0, 24 KOs) previously held the WBC interim light heavyweight title before agreeing to face Ramirez at cruiserweight, a move that could see him title in a second division ahead of a possible return to 175 pounds, where Bivol and Beterbiev remain the top champions. Benavidez has repeatedly said that he wants to face the strongest opponents available at this stage of his career.
Benavidez also mentioned Canelo Alvarez as a potential opponent, although he admitted the fight will never happen.
For now, his immediate task remains the Ramirez fight. Still, his comments made it 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 the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
