Former undisputed light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev says a fight with David Benavidez was available after his win over Anthony Yarde, but claims Benavidez’s team quickly moved in a different direction once he agreed to the bout.
Beterbiev was asked about Benavidez and if a fight between them ever came close to happening. The former undisputed champion responded by questioning Benavidez’s reputation and claiming he had already accepted an offer to face him.
“Benavidez is the kind of guy who talks a lot more than he does. His boxing is dirty, and some of his wins are definitely questionable,” Beterbiev told Russian outlet Match TV.
“I agreed to fight him (after his fight with Anthony Yarde). Apparently his team didn’t expect me to agree so quickly, so they immediately changed their minds and chose (Zurdo) Ramirez.”
Benavidez eventually moved up to cruiserweight and challenged Gilberto Ramirez earlier this year, capturing the WBA and WBO titles with a stoppage victory. The win cemented his position as one of boxing’s top pound-for-pound fighters and fueled discussion about future fights against Dmitri Bivol, Jai Opetaia and even Oleksandr Usyk.
Beterbiev’s comments add another chapter to a rivalry that never reached the ring. A fight between the two had long been discussed by fans when both men competed at light heavyweight, but negotiations never progressed to an official announcement.
The Russian veteran hasn’t fought since losing his undisputed championship to Bivol, while Benavidez has continued to pursue big fights across multiple weight classes.
Whether the bout can still take place remains unclear, but Beterbiev’s version of events suggests he believes the opportunity was there and that it was Benavidez’s side that chose a different route.
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Last updated on 2026/06/04 at 14:41
