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Tony Bellew sums up David Benavidez’s chances of success at heavyweight

Tony Bellew has assessed whether David Benavidez has the power and relentlessness to beat, or even knock out, any of the world’s leading heavyweights. The Mexican-American made his cruiserweight debut in May, dethroning Gilberto Ramirez with a vicious sixth-round finish…

Published: Thursday, 15 October 2026 at 10:11 AM
Tony Bellew sums up David Benavidez’s chances of success at heavyweight
Key Things to Know
  • Tony Bellew believes David Benavidez can outwork top heavyweights over 12 rounds despite lacking stoppage power.
  • Benavidez has previously stated his intention to move up to heavyweight, targeting opponents like Oleksandr Usyk.
  • The three-division champion won WBO and WBA cruiserweight belts by stopping Gilberto Ramirez in May.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Tony Bellew believes David Benavidez has the work rate to trouble heavyweight fighters over 12 rounds, despite lacking stoppage power. Benavidez has expressed intentions to eventually move up to the heavyweight division, having already mentioned undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk as a potential future opponent, while his father noted a clash with Andy Ruiz Jr remains possible.

Benavidez became a three-division world champion in May after stopping Gilberto Ramirez in the sixth round to claim cruiserweight titles. He is currently expected to face WBC champion Michal Cieslak in a December unification bout before potentially targeting Jai Opetaia in May 2027.

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