David Benavidez's next move is a topic of much debate in the boxing world, and legendary trainer Roy Jones Jr. has weighed in with his own perspective. Jones Jr. believes that Benavidez should follow in his footsteps and aim for a higher goal than a potential showdown with Dmitry Bivol.
The 29-year-old Benavidez, known as 'The Mexican Monster', recently dethroned Gilberto Ramirez to become a three-division world champion. He currently holds the WBO and WBA cruiserweight titles, but his sights are set on a return to the 175-pound division, where he still holds the WBC belt. This would set the stage for a highly anticipated fight with unified champion Bivol, who has been on a dominant run, outpointing Artur Beterbiev to become the undisputed king.
However, Jones Jr. sees a different path for Benavidez. He suggests that the young boxer should test himself at the highest level, just as Jones Jr. did when he faced John Ruiz in 2003. In his opinion, Benavidez should aim for a shot at Oleksandr Usyk, who holds the WBC, IBF, and WBA titles. Jones Jr. believes that facing Usyk is the only fight that truly makes sense for Benavidez at this point in his career.
Jones Jr.'s reasoning is rooted in the idea that Benavidez has already conquered multiple divisions. By facing Usyk, he would be pushing himself to the limit and potentially cementing his legacy as one of the greatest boxers of all time. This move would also showcase Benavidez's versatility and willingness to take on the best in the sport.
On the other hand, a fight with Bivol, while highly anticipated, might not offer the same level of challenge and growth. Bivol's recent victory over Beterbiev was a dominant one, and facing him could potentially lead to a similar outcome. Benavidez's desire to move back down to light-heavyweight might be a strategic decision, but it could also limit his potential for growth and fame.
The question remains: will Benavidez heed Jones Jr.'s advice and pursue a fight with Usyk? The answer may lie in Benavidez's own ambitions and the timing of Usyk's career. If Usyk remains in the sport long enough, a fight between these two boxing icons could become a reality. However, if Usyk decides to move on, Benavidez might find himself in a different heavyweight division, facing a different champion.
In the end, Jones Jr.'s commentary highlights the complexities of Benavidez's decision-making process. It raises questions about the balance between strategic moves and bold challenges. As fans, we are left to wonder what Benavidez's next move will be and how it will shape his legacy in the boxing world.
