David Benavidez drops world title after ultimatum with new champion ‘expecting’ to be crowned soon

David Benavidez is no longer listed as the WBA Regular light-heavyweight champion following an ultimatum from the sanctioning body. After capturing the unified WBA and WBO cruiserweight world titles against Gilberto Ramirez in May, Benavidez chose to remain at 200 pounds for an upcoming three-belt unification bout against WBC champion Michal Cieslak, prompting the WBA to remove him from their light-heavyweight rankings.

With Benavidez vacating the 175-pound strap, promoter Camille Estephan confirmed that WBA Interim champion Albert Ramirez is expected to be formally elevated to Regular champion soon. Benavidez is now targeting cruiserweight matchups, potentially leading toward a future clash with Jai Opetaia.