David Benavidez Loses WBA Light Heavyweight Belt

David Benavidez is no longer listed as the WBA Regular light heavyweight champion, according to the organization's September 30 rankings. The move follows a request from the WBA Championship Committee asking Benavidez to clarify which division he plans to continue campaigning in. While he still holds the WBC light heavyweight title, the development signals a stronger commitment to the cruiserweight division, where he currently holds both the WBA Super and WBO belts.

Benavidez claimed his cruiserweight titles by stopping Gilberto Ramirez in six rounds in May. Reports indicate that he intends to remain at 200 pounds, with a potential unification bout against Michal Cieslak lined up and Jai Opetaia viewed as a possible subsequent opponent. Meanwhile, Dmitry Bivol remains the WBA Super champion at 175 pounds, with Albert Ramirez positioned as interim champion.