Artur Beterbiev and David Benavidez looked an unlikely duo to meet in the boxing ring but never say never now…
Dmitry Bivol vs Artur Beterbiev 3 remains the natural big fight to make however next up.
But maybe sometime a Beterbiev vs David Benavidez could be looked at as Benavidez has refuted claims that Beterbiev allegedly made saying he was ducking him.
Beterbiev has been a bit inactive and his rival Bivol returns last weekend with a solid points win over Eifert in Russia.
For now, Benavidez has no next opponent, nor does Bivol, nor does Beterbiev as it happens.
Everyone is talking about Bivol vs Benavidez but how does a Beterbiev vs Beterbiev fight match up technically, some things to look at it with:
Beterbiev vs Benavidez Technical Breakdown (175 lbs)Fighter Profiles (mid-2026)
- Artur Beterbiev: 41 years old, 5’11”, 73″ reach. 21-1 (20 KOs). Former undisputed champ.
- David Benavidez: 29 years old, 6’2″, 74″ reach. 32-0 (26 KOs). Current WBC champ.
- Benavidez weaknesses: Heavy pressure. One-punch power. Strong right hand and body shots. Excellent ring cutting. Solid high guard. Great in clinches. High fight IQ.
- Beterbiev Weaknesses
Age 41. Slower footwork now. Lower volume. Can be outworked.Benavidez Strengths
Big size advantage. Long reach. Fast combinations. High punch volume. Strong body attack. Athletic and mobile. Good power in both hands. - Benavidez Weaknesses
Can be hit when rushing in. Less experienced against elite pressure. Sometimes reckless. - Key Matchup Factors
Benavidez has youth and size. Beterbiev has better timing and power. Beterbiev cuts off the ring well. Benavidez likes to throw in bunches. Early rounds favor Benavidez speed. Late rounds favor Beterbiev durability and pressure. - Prediction Edge: Beterbiev’s experience and heavy hands make it a tough fight, but Benavidez’s size and volume give him a slight technical advantage if he stays disciplined.
For now, as well, you’d have to say the form book is with Benavidez — who won up at cruiserweight recently in a title win over former champion Gilberto Ramirez.
David Benavidez also sits very high currently in the pound for pound rankings.