Benavidez Sr. Says Only Usyk Can Challenge His Son—Fight Targeted for 2027

A True Test for David Benavidez

According to Главком: José Benavidez, father and trainer of world boxing champion David Benavidez, has stated that the only worthy opponent for his son is Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk. Praising his protégé’s abilities, José Benavidez remarked:

'I’ll be honest with you right now: I don’t see any threat to David Benavidez in the light heavyweight or cruiserweight divisions. Nobody can beat David-this is the era of the Monster.' José Benavidez

He further emphasized that Usyk is the best pound-for-pound boxer, calling him the sole fighter capable of posing a genuine challenge to David.

Fighters' Records

David Benavidez currently holds the WBO and WBA world titles in the cruiserweight division. His record stands at 32 wins, with 26 coming by way of stoppage, and no losses. He made his professional debut on August 17, 2013. José Benavidez also noted that his son could move up to heavyweight, as 'he has beaten everyone across all weight classes.'

Oleksandr Usyk, meanwhile, is the WBC, WBA, and IBF world champion in the heavyweight division. His record is 24 wins, 0 losses, and 15 knockouts. Usyk will fight next on May 23, 2026, in Egypt against kickboxing world champion Rico Verhoeven. That bout has been unofficially dubbed 'King of Boxing vs. King of Kickboxing,' with Usyk defending his WBC and The Ring titles.

Promoter Turki Alalshikh plans to organize a Usyk-Benavidez fight in the heavyweight division, potentially taking place in 2027. José Benavidez believes a matchup with Usyk would be a massive challenge for his son, describing it as 'something almost otherworldly.' After defeating Daniel Dubois in July 2025, Usyk became a three-time undisputed world champion but lost his top spot in The Ring magazine’s pound-for-pound rankings.

The potential clash between David Benavidez and Oleksandr Usyk has sparked significant interest in the boxing community, as both fighters boast impressive records and champion statuses. Such a showdown could become a landmark moment in boxing history, pitting two distinct styles and schools of boxing against each other. Both athletes have massive fan bases, making this matchup even more anticipated among supporters. The only thing left is to see how events unfold and how both sportsmen prepare for this possible encounter.

As the anticipation for a potential showdown between David Benavidez and Oleksandr Usyk grows, it's essential to recognize why Usyk is highly regarded in the boxing community. For a deeper insight into his impressive skills and recent achievements, check out how Usyk has secured his place at the top of the rankings, showcasing why he is considered a formidable opponent for Benavidez.