Benavidez questioned Jai Opetaia’s move to Zuffa Boxing after stopping Gilberto Ramirez to win two cruiserweight belts on May 2
David Benavidez says Zuffa Boxing is standing in the way of a fight against Jai Opetaia after Opetaia joined the company earlier this year. Benavidez raised doubts about making the matchup after capturing the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles with his May 2 stoppage win over Gilberto Ramirez in Las Vegas.
“I think that’s the biggest fight in the world, especially at this weight division,” said Benavidez at the post-fight press conference.
“That’s definitely a fight I want. Like I said, I’m not scared of nobody. This is Monstro’s world, and if he wants to get that fight, we get that fight.”
Opetaia recently lost the IBF cruiserweight title after joining Zuffa Boxing and competing in an unsanctioned bout against Brandon Glanton. Benavidez suggested the move immediately complicated negotiations for a future fight.
“I don’t know why he went to Zuffa,” said Benavidez. “We could have made this fight right after this one.”
“I’m not going to go over there and fight for a Zuffa title.”
Benavidez also questioned whether fighters tied to Zuffa will have access to the biggest opportunities in boxing, pointing to Dana White’s history with rival promotional companies.
“I think they definitely are losing their power,” said Benavidez. “It’s just a lot of politics in that.”
“I think Dana White has showed that he doesn’t want to do fights with PBC, DAZN.”
The unbeaten champion later made it clear he believes he holds the stronger commercial position compared to Opetaia and suggested there is little reason for him to travel into another promotional setup.
“I’m the one that’s filling out these stadiums,” said Benavidez. “I’m the one that’s fighting pay-per-view.”
“Jai Opetaia has never fought pay-per-view. He’s never filled out an arena like this.”
Benavidez added that he would still be open to the fight if both sides can reach an agreement outside the Zuffa structure.
“If they want to come to the table over here, we could do it,” said Benavidez. “Let’s get it.”
