David Benavidez’s journey through boxing’s toughest terrain has taken yet another dramatic turn, and fans are already buzzing about the possibilities. As the WBC light-heavyweight champion prepares to defend his newly acquired title against Anthony Yarde on November 22, 2025, in Riyadh, the 28-year-old American finds himself at the epicenter of a division brimming with intrigue, ambition, and a cast of formidable rivals.
Benavidez’s current position is the result of years of relentless pursuit—first as a dominant force at super-middleweight, then as a hungry contender desperate for marquee matchups. After claiming the WBC super-middleweight title eight years ago, Benavidez set his sights on the sport’s biggest names. His quest for a showdown with Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, however, ended in frustration. “For years, Benavidez tried to get a fight with Canelo. When that didn’t work out, he moved up in weight,” according to multiple sources. Rather than dwell on missed opportunities, Benavidez shifted his focus to the light-heavyweight elite, targeting the likes of Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev.
That decision would soon pay dividends. Benavidez’s emphatic victory over David Morrell not only preserved his unbeaten record but also elevated him to the WBA’s number one contender for Bivol’s title. At the same time, he was named the WBC mandatory challenger after Bivol defeated Beterbiev in their rematch for the undisputed crown. With momentum on his side, Benavidez seemed destined for a blockbuster clash with Bivol. But boxing, as always, had other plans.
The plot thickened when Turki Alalshikh, the influential Saudi boxing promoter, made it clear he preferred a trilogy fight—likely between Bivol and Beterbiev—over a Benavidez-Bivol showdown. The situation grew even more complicated when Bivol, recovering from a nagging back injury, vacated his WBC belt and underwent surgery, effectively putting all major fights on ice. “To make matters worse, Bivol gave up his WBC belt, seemingly to avoid fighting Benavidez. He wanted a rematch with Beterbiev instead. Then Bivol had back surgery, which pushed back any fight plans,” one report confirmed.
With Bivol sidelined, Benavidez was awarded the WBC light-heavyweight title in April 2025. Yet, rather than rest on his laurels, he immediately set about plotting his next move. His first order of business: a high-stakes title defense against the hard-hitting Anthony Yarde, scheduled for November 22 in Riyadh. “I’m in a position where my opportunity is in the form of a freaking Russian monster,” Benavidez told FightHype, alluding to the looming specter of Artur Beterbiev. “I can’t say no. Even if they offer me the fight I can’t say no. First thing’s first I’m going to take care of this fight and I’m going to look great in this fight. And if they offer me Artur Beterbiev, then that’s what we’re going to do.”
But Benavidez’s ambitions don’t end with Yarde. The November card in Riyadh will also feature Beterbiev, the 40-year-old Russian powerhouse, who lost his undisputed title to Bivol in a rematch just six months ago. Beterbiev, eager to reclaim his place atop the division, will face Deon Nicholson, the WBA’s eleventh-ranked contender, on the undercard. The parallel tracks of Benavidez and Beterbiev have set the stage for a potential collision—one that could define the era if both men emerge victorious.
For Benavidez, the prospect of facing Beterbiev is equal parts daunting and exhilarating. “I think for you to prove your greatness, the greater fighter has to go the other way and take the tougher fights just to prove himself,” Benavidez explained. His willingness to embrace the toughest challenges has become a hallmark of his career. “I’ll probably have to choose the hardest option for any fighter, because on this side is Beterbiev, there’s Bivol, and maybe Canelo in the future. I’m fine with that. I’m not scared at all.”
Despite the delays and the ever-shifting landscape, Benavidez remains remarkably composed. His confidence is buoyed by both his financial security and the belief that his moment will come. “Well, the first thing that reassures me is that I’ve been making very good money. And also, there’s no need to rush, buddy. Everyone has their time,” he said in a candid moment with Fight Hype. This patience is reinforced by his trust in Turki Alalshikh, whom Benavidez credits with orchestrating the sport’s biggest events. “It looks like it’s very close to being finalized. Like I said, Turki Alalshikh is willing to finalize all these fights. Now I’m cornering everybody, and there will be no room for anyone to escape.”
Still, the reality is that mega-fights require more than just one man’s ambition. For Benavidez’s dreams to materialize, his rivals must be willing to step into the ring. At present, both Bivol and Beterbiev are preoccupied—Bivol with his recovery, Beterbiev with his November bout against Nicholson. Yet, the sense of anticipation is palpable. Should Benavidez and Beterbiev both prevail in Riyadh, the stars may finally align for a showdown that fans have been clamoring for.
The stakes could hardly be higher. Benavidez, unbeaten and hungry, is determined to carve out his legacy at 175 pounds. Beterbiev, the battle-hardened veteran, is eager to reclaim his place among the sport’s elite. And lurking in the background is the ever-present possibility of Canelo Alvarez, whose name remains synonymous with boxing’s biggest paydays.
As the November 22 card approaches, Riyadh has become the unlikely epicenter of the light-heavyweight world. The involvement of Turki Alalshikh has injected fresh energy—and no small amount of financial muscle—into the division. With both Benavidez and Beterbiev set to showcase their skills on the same night, fans and pundits alike are left to wonder: could this be the prelude to one of boxing’s most anticipated clashes?
For now, the action is still ahead of us. Benavidez’s defense against Yarde and Beterbiev’s bout with Nicholson represent the latest chapters in a saga defined by ambition, adversity, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. If things go according to plan, the next act could see Benavidez and Beterbiev finally meet in the ring—an encounter that would surely have the boxing world watching with bated breath.
Stay tuned. With so much on the line and so many moving parts, the light-heavyweight division is poised for fireworks. And as David Benavidez himself might say, there’s no room for anyone to escape now.
