When asked if Benavidez should face Frank Sanchez first before going after Usyk, Garcia quickly dismissed the idea.
“He has no business fighting with Frank. Frank is not a big name,” Robert told YSM Sports Media.
Robert then said he would rather see Benavidez move directly into a fight with Usyk.
“I think he should go straight into Usyk.”
The longtime trainer doubled down when asked if he truly believed Benavidez would win.
“I think Ben beats Usyk. Really?” Garcia said. “I do believe he beats him.”
Garcia acknowledged that the fight carries risks for Benavidez, especially against a fighter widely regarded as one of the best heavyweights of his era.
“I know there are a lot of risks, and it won’t be easy, but I do believe Ben beats him.”
Benavidez captured the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles earlier this month on May 2 after stopping Gilberto Ramirez, while Usyk is coming off his controversial stoppage win over Rico Verhoeven in Egypt.
Turki Alalshikh recently expressed interest in matching Benavidez against Usyk in 2027, a fight that would see Benavidez move into the heavyweight division full time.
Benavidez has repeatedly spoken about the eventual switch to heavyweight, while Usyk has hinted that only a few fights remain before retirement. A fight between the two would likely become one of the biggest crossover attractions available in boxing if negotiations ever move forward.
