{"id":610994,"date":"2026-05-29T21:18:08","date_gmt":"2026-05-29T21:18:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/610994\/"},"modified":"2026-05-29T21:18:08","modified_gmt":"2026-05-29T21:18:08","slug":"david-benavidez-being-lined-up-to-face-ko-artist-beast-this-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/610994\/","title":{"rendered":"David Benavidez being lined up to face KO artist ‘beast’ this year"},"content":{"rendered":"

David Benavidez<\/a> has been linked with a major opportunity, which could materialise later this year if Turki Alalshikh convinces both sides to reach an agreement.<\/p>\n

\u2018The Mexican Monster\u2019 comes off a star-making performance, dethroning Gilberto Ramirez earlier this month to become a three-division world champion<\/a>.<\/p>\n

He did so via a sixth-round stoppage at 200lbs, where, despite it being his first assignment at the weight, he managed to claim the WBO and WBA titles.<\/p>\n

Since then, Benavidez has doubled down on his desire to face Dmitry Bivol, who must first defeat IBF mandatory challenger Michael Eifert on Saturday.<\/p>\n

Should he emerge triumphant, as most expect him to, then Bivol would likely be open to an undisputed showdown with Benavidez, who still holds the WBC light-heavyweight title.<\/p>\n

Alternatively, though, Benavidez could remain at cruiserweight and collide with Jai Opetaia, who comes off a dominant points victory over Brandon Glanton in March.<\/p>\n

This happened to be the Australian\u2019s first fight under Dana White\u2019s promotional banner, which ultimately saw him claim the inaugural Zuffa belt after being stripped of his IBF world title.<\/p>\n

Regardless of his championship status, however, Opetaia is widely considered the top dog at 200lbs, where it appears as though he is in talks for a Benavidez clash.<\/p>\n

Taking to social media<\/a>, the 30-year-old\u2019s manager, Tasman Fighters, posted a picture of Opetaia and Alalshikh, including the headline: \u2018Turki to make Opetaia vs Benavidez\u2019.<\/p>\n

Turki to unleash the #BEAST<\/a> in 2026 \ud83d\udc40 pic.twitter.com\/FIoUnSgBk1<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Tasman Fighters (@tasmanfighters) May 25, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

In contrast, however, the father and trainer of \u2018The Mexican Monster\u2019 has suggested that Opetaia\u2019s team is not returning his calls<\/a>.<\/p>\n