WBC light-heavyweight champion David Benavidez has publicly stated his confidence in defeating one world champion following a brutal sparring session.
Benavidez has slowly emerged as one of the best active fighters in world boxing over the last couple of years, remaining unbeaten in 31 bouts since he made his professional debut in 2013.
‘The Mexican Monster’ made his much anticipated return to action in November when he stopped Britain’s Anthony Yarde in the seventh round of their clash at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Whilst it has been speculated that the 29-year-old will make the move up to cruiserweight ahead of his next outing, it’s no secret that Benavidez still has his sights set on a potential clash with Dmitry Bivol.
Speaking to talkSPORT recently, Benavidez shared some minor details about his previous sparring sessions with Bivol, as he claims he is confident that he would defeat the Russian star should they go on to face each other in the future.
“I sparred him from 19 all the way until I was 22 years old. He’s a great fighter and I don’t take anything away from him but I did hurt him in the last sparring session we had … I have hurt him sparring so I know if I hurt someone in sparring then I can hurt him in the fight.”
Bivol is yet to make a return to action since he defeated countryman Artur Beterbiev in their rematch back in February, becoming the undisputed light-heavyweight champion in the process.
The 35-year-old opted to vacate his WBC world title at 175lbs earlier this year however to pursue a trilogy clash with Beterbiev, which is expected to take place at some stage in 2026.
