Benavidez got the title when Dmitry Bivol gave it up. Bivol decided to go after a third fight with Artur Beterbiev instead. Bivol felt his life lacked flavor after losing to Beterbiev, which led to this choice.
Before this happened, Team Benavidez had other plans. Jose Benavidez Sr, David's dad and trainer, told Fight Hub TV they were looking at a different fight:
"We didn't know what was gonna happen with the belts, we were trying to fight Zurdo Ramirez. I talked to Zurdo Ramirez's manager four days ago before they announced that they gave the belt away and they wanted the fight, we wanted the fight so that was an easy fight to make so we were already in talks about doing that."
This move to cruiserweight (200 pounds) would've been surprising. Benavidez has only had two fights at 175 lbs after moving up from 168 lbs.
But now, with the WBC light-heavyweight belt around his waist, Benavidez's plans have changed. Jose Sr explained their new strategy:
"We were looking more more at fighting for Zurdo's belt, but now I think we've got to defend [our belt] at least once or twice, maybe now we're thinking Anthony Yarde, Callum Smith, or also do a catchweight later in a fight or two with Zurdo Ramirez and fight for all the belts. The 175 and the cruiserweight. If not we'll fight for Zurdo's belt. I think that's a great fight. People want to see two Mexicans get at it."
So, Benavidez will likely defend his title once or twice. Anthony Yarde or Callum Smith could be his opponents. After that, they're still interested in Ramirez. They might even do a catchweight fight where they could win belts in two divisions.
Speaking of Ramirez, he's got his own fight coming up. He'll defend his WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles against Yuniel Dorticos on June 25 in Anaheim. This fight will be on the undercard of Jake Paul vs Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
Benavidez has plenty of options now. He can solidify his spot at light-heavyweight or push for bigger challenges across two weight classes. Whatever he decides, boxing fans will be watching closely.