David Benavidez admits he’s ‘not ready right now’ to face one champion: “I have a lot of respect for him”

David Benavidez has dominated out one battle specifically, regardless of Turki Alalshikh making an attempt to persuade him with a higher alternative.

The 29-year-old entered his first outing at 200lbs final month, becoming a three-weight world champion by dethroning Gilberto Ramirez for the WBO and WBA titles.

But whereas his emphatic sixth-round finish would counsel he’s a pure cruiserweight, Benavidez clearly feels as if he may benefit from extra expertise on the weight.

As such, it’s hardly stunning that he has efficiently lobbied the WBC to set up him because the obligatory challenger at 200lbs, hoping to safe a three-belt unification match with fellow champion Noel Mikaelian.

The pair are actually reportedly in deep negotiations to collide later this 12 months, doubtlessly leaving Zuffa champion Jai Opetaia with out an opponent for his subsequent outing.

Whatever the case, although, it definitely seems that Benavidez is raring to stay at cruiserweight, slightly than problem unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Despite coming off a sub-par efficiency towards Rico Verhoeven, who has stopped in round 11 last monthUsyk continues to be extensively thought-about the highest canine of his division.

Reluctant to take a gamble towards the Ukrainian, Benavidez has informed Luis Parra that not even powerbroker Alalshikh can persuade him in any other case.

“[Alalshikh] did not discuss to me straight, [but] he was speaking to the folks round me and mentioned he wished to make that battle. But truthfully, I have a lot of respect for Usyk, and I’m not ready for that right now.

“If he came down to cruiserweight then yeah, we could fight at cruiserweight. But I’m not moving up.”

Having been ordered to defend his WBC title towards ‘interim’ champion Agit Kabayel, Usyk should now resolve whether or not to pursue their mandated battle or vacate the belt.