He's already a world champion but could David Benavidez really beat Bivol or Beterbiev?

The 28-year-old is the  WBC light-heavyweight champion , with a perfect 30-0 (24 KO's) record. Should he have anything left to prove?

But the fact is that, despite his best efforts and demands, he has yet to be granted the biggest fights in boxing against the very, very best. 

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Unlike tonight's opponent, Brit  Anthony Yarde,  27-3 (27 KO's), he has yet to step in the ring with a modern great like Arthur Beterbiev or Dmitry Bivol, both former undisputed light-heavyweight champions. 

Saturday night in Riyadh, which sees four world title fights, all live and exclusive on DAZN PPV, could change all that for 'The Mexican Monster'.

Win and put on a top level display and 2026 will be his year for the biggest fights and paydays, and finally will present the opportunity to prove himself at the very, very top of the division.

So, if Benavidez can defeat Yarde, does he have the same quality levels as Beterbiev or Bivol to beat either next year? 

Our boxing experts have been debating that very question.

Could David Benavidez beat Bivol or Beterbiev?

Chris Walker

As it stands, David Benavidez has earned himself quite a reputation in the boxing world despite his ledger still being somewhat thin compared to some of the names he shares the spotlight with this weekend.

Hugely talented and possessing huge self-belief, Benavidez is more than ready for the biggest tests in boxing and at light-heavyweight that means pound-for-pound superstars, Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev.

An eye-catching victory over Anthony Yarde on Saturday will make the public demand those fights in 2026, and although the Arizona man is worthy of such opportunities, overcoming ether of the brilliant pair could prove difficult at this stage.

Mark Lelinwalla 

Yes, David Benavidez can beat either Dmitry Bivol or Artur Beterbiev in 2026.

"El Monstro" already believes that he got the best of Bivol in sparring and would be a relentless forward-fighting force for the Russian.

The same can be said for Benavidez against Beterbiev. Despite the 40-year-old Beterbiev keeping himself in tip-top shape with immense power, Benavidez possesses the kind of volume punching to drown him out.

Matt Astbury

If Benavidez fought Artur Beterbiev, I’d be confident that the current WBC light heavyweight champion would beat him.

This is down to being the fresher boxer, Beterbiev has always been involved in all-out wars, and it feels like the rematch with Dmitry Bivol, which he lost, has made him a shell of his former self.

When it comes to Bivol, it would be a close encounter, but I think Bivol edges it. Bivol has the movement and clinical shot selection to frustrate Benavidez who would go on the hunt for the former undisputed light heavyweight champion.

Chris Oliver

Benavidez would certainly be a big player against the division’s two big dogs, especially if he looks good this weekend.

From a style point of view, the fleet-footed Bivol may be tougher for Benavidez and the unified champion is still very much in his peak.

However, I would give Benavidez a big chance against Beterbiev, who is 40 years old now and slowing down a little.

While Beterbiev is still a very dangerous man, age may just be catching up with him, so the high work rate and hand speed of Benavidez could cause him serious problems.

Andrew Steel

In a nutshell, yes - but whether Benavidez actually gets the chance to face either man in 2026 is a different matter altogether, and even then, it won't be an easy task.

Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev have arguably served up two of the best fights in the past half-decade, no questions asked, and a trilogy to settle the scores has appeal.

If Benavidez does get his opportunity, then he has the tools to take out both men - but he will see his chin tested like never before, and will need to be at the top of his game.

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David Benavidez vs. Anthony Yarde headline a star-studded Ring IV fight card in Riyadh this Saturday, November 22. Watch it exclusively on DAZN PPV for £24.99 / $59.99.

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