David Benavidez Jr. vacates light heavyweight titles, stays in cruiserweight
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 11, 2026, 5:39 AM
Last updated Oct 11, 2026
David Benavidez Jr. has officially vacated his WBC World Light Heavyweight title, choosing to remain in the cruiserweight division. This decision follows his successful knockout victory over Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez for the WBO and WBA World Cruiserweight titles in May. Benavidez Jr. is now focused on unifying titles in the cruiserweight division, with a potential unification fight against WBC champion Michal Cieslak tentatively set for December. If victorious, a later match with lineal champion Jai Opetaia could be on the horizon in 2027.
- •Benavidez Jr. relinquished his WBC and WBA light heavyweight belts.
- •He aims to unify titles at cruiserweight after his knockout win in May.
- •A planned fight against Michal Cieslak is set for December.
- •Victory could lead to a title challenge against Jai Opetaia in 2027.
- 5:39 AMYahoo Sports — Boxing Briefs: David Benavidez Jr. Staying at Cruiserweight
"Cinco de Mayo 2027 can't come soon enough for boxing fans anticipating a Benavidez vs Opetaia showdown.
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