Jai Opetaia vs David Benavidez takes a more real step move forward as a possible fight in boxing in 2026.
That’s because of something that just happened in boxing.
One of the declining sanctioning bodies just ordered Dmitry Bivol to take on Callum Smith.
Light-heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol first fights later this month in a comeback so possibly he is tied up with those fights this year now.
Although who knows what fight he will be in after this month on May 30th against Germany’s Michael Eifert.
- Weight class: The fight would be at cruiserweight. Limit is 200 lb.
- Benavidez status: David Benavidez moves to cruiserweight in May 2026 to fight Zurdo Ramirez.
- Opetaia status: Jai Opetaia is the Ring cruiserweight champion. He also holds the Zuffa Boxing title.
- Title situation: Opetaia was stripped of the IBF belt. Benavidez wants undisputed fights.
- Timeline: Benavidez said Opetaia is one to three years away. Opetaia wants the fight next.
- Promoters: Benavidez is with PBC and Sampson Boxing. Opetaia fights under Zuffa Boxing.
- Main hurdle: Co-promotion.
- Location USA: Las Vegas is most likely. Both have fought at UFC Apex and T-Mobile Arena.
- Location Australia: Gold Coast Convention Centre is Opetaia’s home venue option.
- Location Saudi Arabia: Riyadh has hosted both fighters. Kingdom Arena is a possible neutral site.
Opetaia has been chucking remarks at Benavidez lately for avoiding the fight though.
It could make a lot of sense now however with Bivol possibly not available soon enough.
As well the Bivol vs Beterbiev 3 fight is still under discussion as well.
Benavidez vs Opetaia makes much more sense now at cruiserweight.
