By Graham Ilford – Colossus Boxing: David Benavidez says he wants to stay at 175 pounds for the next five years before moving up to cruiserweight for an additional five years after that.
His next fight against Anthony Yarde on November 22, 2025 will give a hint as to whether he will be able to stay in the division for a long time.
Power debate refuses to die
Benavidez rejects the view of fans that his power did not increase from 168 to 175. He points out that the faces of his two light heavyweight opponents, David Morrell and Oleksandr Gvozdyk, were similar. “beat beaten.” Some fans will argue that Benavidez is in denial about his lack of power at 175.
For ‘The Mexican Monster’ to worry about what fans are saying about his lack of power at 175 suggests he may be harboring self-doubt in this area. It’s understandable why he would.
The Morrell and Gvozdyk Reality Check
In his two fights in the division, he has shown none of the old power he had when he fought at 168. His opponents, Gvozdyk and Morrell, seemed to hit him harder than he did, and they marked him badly in the face. Like it or not, Benavidez’s days may be numbered at 175.
They’re all beaten,” Benavidez fires back
“Them saying my power didn’t transfer is kind of funny because you see these guys. They’re all beat up,” David Benavidez said. Ring Magazinewhich is responding to fans saying his power didn’t go up to 175 from 168. “They know I have power.
What Benavidez fails to say is that his face looked more bruised and swollen than those two, and he failed to knock them out. Those fights showed that he doesn’t have the same power at light heavyweight as he did when he campaigned at 168.
It’s still too early to tell if WBC light heavyweight champion Benavidez will stay at 175 for five years because he hasn’t looked outstanding in his two fights in the weight class. At 28, it is doubtful he will last another five years to take the punishment he has taken since moving up from 168. He was dropped in the 11th round by his last opponent, David Morrell, on February 1, 2025.
“I was super middleweight for almost 10 years. I’m more of a light heavyweight than a super middleweight. The weight loss in training camp is not fun for anyone.”
“I want to be in light heavyweight for five yearsand then go up and be at cruiserweight for five years,” Benavidez said. “I feel great, I feel strong. I feel amazing. I feel fast.”
Benavidez’s lack of power at light heavyweight is a sign that he should not move up to cruiserweight. Going against some of the runners like Jai Opetaia would be a bad idea. He lacks the defense to fight someone like that without taking a beating.
Veteran boxing columnist Graham Ilford brings dry humor and long-deserved perspective to the sport.
Last updated on 11/08/2025
