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David Benavidez names the heavyweight he will face if Opetaia fight falls through

already has another plan in mind if his showdown with doesn’t happen next year. A match-up between cruiserweight stars Benavidez and Opetaia has been touted over the past few months, with those talks only intensifying after Opetaia stopped Noel Mikaelian…

Published: Thursday, 8 October 2026 at 8:07 PM
David Benavidez names the heavyweight he will face if Opetaia fight falls through
Key Things to Know
  • David Benavidez stated he will pursue a heavyweight bout against Oleksandr Usyk if a Jai Opetaia fight falls through.
  • Jai Opetaia is reportedly in negotiations to face heavyweight Deontay Wilder on the Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua card.
  • Benavidez must first face Michal Cieslak in December for the WBC cruiserweight title.
The Story in 60 Seconds

David Benavidez revealed he intends to move up to heavyweight to fight Oleksandr Usyk if a planned clash with Jai Opetaia fails to materialize. While Benavidez is scheduled to face Michal Cieslak for the WBC cruiserweight title in December, an anticipated Cinco de Mayo meeting with Opetaia could be derailed amid reports that Opetaia is negotiating a heavyweight bout against Deontay Wilder.

Benavidez stated he will take his business elsewhere if Opetaia chooses to fight Wilder instead. Former undisputed cruiserweight and heavyweight champion Usyk vacated his unified titles earlier this year and is reportedly preparing for one final bout before retiring, creating a potential opening for Benavidez.

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