David Benavidez has been tipped to move up to heavyweight and dethrone Oleksandr Usyk.
Benavidez is currently two weights away from unified heavyweight titlist, Usyk, but will move a step closer to the blue-riband division after announcing he will challenge WBC and WBA cruiserweight holder, Zurdo Ramirez on May 2.
‘The Mexican Monster’ retained his WBC and WBA ‘regular’ light heavyweight world titles with a seventh round stoppage over Anthony Yarde on Saturday to take his unbeaten record to 31 professional wins.
And according to legendary broadcaster, Jim Lampley, the 28-year-old could one day move up to heavyweight and defeat the masterful Ukrainian.
Journalist Sean Zittel posted messages between himself and the 76-year-old on X, where he backed the Arizona man to excel at heavyweight.
“Can be the best heavyweight in the world,” Lampley said.
“I truly believe that.
“Biggest factor for modern heavyweights is are you explosive?
“He is def that.
“And the long arms.”
Jim Lampley tells me he believes David Benavidez could possibly go to heavyweight and upset Oleksandr Usyk. #Boxing pic.twitter.com/7BbxjOuJ0R
— Sean Zittel (@Sean_Zittel) November 24, 2025
Asked by Zittel if he could overcome the Usyk’s height and reach advantages, Lampley replied: “If he can get off first and last, yes.”
Usyk became a two-time undisputed heavyweight world champion in July, stopping Daniel Dubois in the fifth round in their rematch at Wembley Stadium.
‘The Cat’ relinquished his WBO title earlier this month, with Fabio Wardley elevated to full world champion from interim titlist.
The 38-year-old’s manager, Sergey Lapin told proboxing-fans.com his charge vacated the belt to enable younger fighters to compete for it.
“Oleksandr vacated the belt to give younger fighters the opportunity to box for it.
“We’ll see how things develop next.”
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It remains unclear who Usyk will face next, although he did reveal that he plans to continue until he’s 41-years-old.
WBC interim champion, Agit Kabayel could be next in line as long as he overcomes Daniel Knyba on January 10.
