Top trainer Robert Garcia had predicted the outcome of a potential clash between Oleksandr Usyk and David Benavidez.
Benavidez has been mentioned alongside unified heavyweight champion Usyk recently following his debut in the cruiserweight division last month.
‘The Mexican Monster’ stopped Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez in the sixth round of their bout at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas to capture the WBA and WBO titles, becoming a three-weight world champion in the process.
Speaking to ESNEWS, Garcia said that he believes Benavidez is capable of moving up to heavyweight and beating Usyk should a bout between the duo materialise over the next 12 to 18 months.
“Give him a couple more fights at cruiser[weight]. I don’t know how much more Usyk’s gonna fight but give me two more fights, two or three more fights and then go to heavyweight and Benavidez beats Usyk.”
Though he says he would be honoured to take that fight, Benavidez has been realistic about his weight situation and said any run at heavyweight will likely come a few years down the line. For now, he will either stick around at cruiserweight or drop back down to light-heavyweight.
As for Usyk, he produced a controversial stoppage to beat Rico Verhoeven and retain his titles on May 23. Despite the victory, the Ukrainian’s performance has only strengthened Robert Garcia’s prediction.
The heavyweight champion now has a mandatory challenger in Agit Kabayel, though may decide to drop the WBC belt in favour of a rematch with Verhoeven.
