Benavidez names Canelo and Bivol as next targets following cruiserweight title win
David Benavidez called out Canelo Alvarez and Dmitry Bivol after his win over Gilberto Ramirez. The newly crowned cruiserweight champion made his intentions clear in the ring.
Benavidez asked the crowd directly if they wanted to see him fight Canelo Alvarez, pointing out that Canelo was in attendance. The reaction was loud, and Benavidez leaned into it, saying the fight is one that shouldn’t be left on the table.
“I have respect for Canelo. He’s a great champion, but I’m a great champion too. Let’s do it,” Benavidez said.
He followed it by addressing Canelo directly.
“I just want to give the fans what they want to see. I see Canelo is in the building. Let me just ask the fans this. Do you guys want to see Canelo versus David Benavidez? Enough said. That means we can’t leave that fight on the table,” Benavidez said.
The callout extended beyond one name. When asked about his next move, Benavidez pointed to Bivol as the other fight he wants.
“Bivol is the number one on my hit list,” Benavidez said. “He’s a great competitor, great champion, but I’m a great champion too. I just want to test myself every fight.”
Benavidez also made clear he is not tied to one division. He referenced holding a title at 175 while coming off his first fight at cruiserweight, leaving multiple options depending on who steps forward.
The timing was not accidental. The callout came on Cinco de Mayo weekend, with Canelo in the building, immediately after a high-profile win. It placed Benavidez back into a conversation that has followed both fighters for years without reaching the contract stage.
A fight with Bivol carries its own meaning at light heavyweight, where Bivol remains one of the leading names. That option does not require the same adjustments in weight, but it still sits at the top end of the division.
For now, Benavidez has put both names in play. He made the callout in public, on a major stage, and tied it directly to his latest result.
