David Benavidez is getting ready to defend his newly acquired WBC light heavyweight title. The 28-year-old from Phoenix, Arizona, known as 'The Monster', is in talks to face Callum Smith in what could be his first defense.
Benavidez got the title earlier this week after Dmitry Bivol gave it up to focus on a trilogy fight with Artur Beterbiev. Before this, Benavidez was the WBC 'Interim' champion, a title he won by defeating Oleksandr Gvozdyk last year.
On the other side of the potential matchup is Callum 'Mundo' Smith. Smith recently grabbed the WBO 'Interim' light heavyweight title by outpointing Joshua Buatsi on February 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This win came after Smith fell short in his attempt to take Artur Beterbiev's titles in January 2024.
Eddie Hearn, Smith's promoter, confirmed to Boxing News that talks are happening:
"Absolutely. Like you've said we're discussing that fight [with them] … no firm offer has been made but tell me another fight that Benavidez could make? That light heavyweight division is actually quite thin at the top in terms of big names and I think Callum's got great options ahead of him."
This fight wasn't always on the cards. Benavidez was set to go to purse bids for a fight with Bivol on April 8. But Bivol chose to vacate the title instead of negotiating, paving the way for Benavidez to become the full champion.
Benavidez has been pushing for a fight with Canelo Alvarez, the unified super middleweight champion. Many fans think Canelo is avoiding a clash with 'The Monster'. For now, it looks like Benavidez will have to settle for Smith in what promises to be an exciting light heavyweight showdown.
