David Benavidez is willing to move up in weight if he can’t secure the fights he wants.
Benavidez defends his WBC light heavyweight world title against two-time challenger, Anthony Yarde in Riyadh on November 22.
‘The Mexican Monster’ is seeking a clash with unified champion, Dmitry Bivol to determine the undisputed ruler of the division as well as former undisputed titlist, Artur Beterbiev, who faces Deon Nicholson on the Benavidez-Yarde card.
Bivol vacated the WBC crown in order to pursue a third fight with Beterbiev, with the scores tied at one apiece, but the 34-year-old is currently sidelined with a back injury.
Should neither fight materialise, Benavidez says he will target a meeting with unified cruiserweight world champion, Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez.
“In my opinion a fight with Beterbiev or Bivol is next,” the 28-year-old told Fight Hub TV.
“The fights I want are Beterbiev and Bivol, because I want to challenge myself.
“I want to be the best without a doubt.
“But sometimes in the business sense, sometimes things are tricky and it’s a little bit more difficult than making the fight happen.
“But I’m pushing to make the biggest and best fights happen.
“If we can’t get that, then my plan is to get a fight with Zurdo Ramirez at cruiserweight.”
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Ramirez, who holds the WBA and WBO titles, is currently recovering after shoulder surgery and has been linked with IBF titlist, Jai Opetaia as well as a shock meeting with Jake Paul.
Benavidez believes a meeting with the Mexican would be bigger than a possible unification between ‘Zurdo’ and Opetaia.
“I think it’s the best time to make it happen,” he added.
“Two Mexicans fighting, maybe we can make it in Las Vegas after this fight.
“Honestly what else does Zurdo Ramirez have?
“I know they’re trying to fight Opetaia, but honestly I’m a bigger name than Opetaia right now, because of what I’ve done and the fights I’ve fought.
“Not saying I’m stronger, but I’ve done the work, I’ve fought [on] pay-per-views, so I think it’s solidified that.
“Me and Zurdo Ramirez would be a bigger fight than Zurdo Ramirez vs Opetaia and that’s just my opinion.
“No disrespect to Opetaia, he’s a great fighter, but I think it makes sense on both sides for me and Zurdo Ramirez.”
