David Banavidez says he hopes that a fight in 2026 could be set up against former undisputed light heavyweight champion Artur betterbiev.
Why 2026 might be too late
The disadvantage of the Betterbiev-Benavidez battle that takes place next year is that Betterbiev turns 41 on January 21. The postponement of a struggle between them will work against Artur.
Benavidez (30-0, 24 costs) mentions that he would have fought betterbiev (21-1, 20 COs) on November 22, but that he did not offer the battle. Instead, he defends his WBC light heavyweight title against Anthony Yarde in the main event.
There is not much fan interest in that battle, as Yarde (27-3, 24 COs) has already been knocked out in the two previous world title fights against Sergey Kovalev and Betterbiev. The use of Yarde as a world title challenge is a bad idea. It would be good if it was an undercore fight, but not for a head liner.
Betterbiev will fight on the bottom map against little well-known Deon Nicholson (22-1, 18 COs) in a scheduled 12 round on the Ring IV: Night of the Champions event.
“I’m not offered betterbiev”
“If I had offered that battle, I would have chosen it. I offered Anthony Yarde. I did not offer Artur Betterbiev, ‘David Banavidez said X When asked why he elected Anthony Yarde on November 22, rather than Artur Betterurbiev, who was planned to fight on his bottom map.
Benavidez said he also wanted to fight against IBF, WBA and WBO Light Heavyweight Champion Dmitry Biblical, but he didn’t want to face him. Biblical title has evacuated his WBC title rather than in benavidez.
“The contract has already been signed before they have come to an agreement that they (Dmitri Biblical and Betterbiev) will not fight. There was nothing I could do with it. Hopefully, later next year, we were able to get the fight with Betterbiev,” Benavidez said.
If Biblical is not going to fight against Benavidez, he can just as well fight against betterbiev to fight the fans who want to see the fans early next year.
Dan Ambrose has been covered since 2011 and provides reliable insight into the greatest fights of the sport.
Last updated on 10/09/2025
