David Benavidez looks to become a three-belt cruiserweight world champion in December, but whilst many fans hope to see him face Jai Opetaia in the fight that follows, there is another world champion whom ‘The Mexican Monster’ could potentially meet in 2027.

An official announcement is expected imminently for a December 5 showdown between Benavidez and WBC cruiserweight champion Michael Cieslak – with Opetaia mandated to take on the victor of that contest.

Meanwhile, another Benavidez target, Dmitry Bivol, is poised to take on Callum Smith on December 12 and then partake in a rubber match with Artur Beterbiev in Russia in 2027.

However, speaking with Inside The RingBenavidez revealed that Beterbiev has reached out to his team for a shot at cruiserweight honours, before confirming that he will give the 41-year-old Canadian-Russian exactly ‘what he wants’.

“Beterbiev has definitely reached out to our team and he has been actively trying to make that fight. So, we are going to give him exactly what he wants.

“I respect Beterbiev, he is like 45 years old so the fact that he is calling me out is why I have a lot of respect for him!

“That is a great fight for the public.”

Beterbiev hasn’t fought since he came up short in his undisputed light heavyweight title rematch with Bivol in February 2025, and could now look to move up to 200lbs in a bid to get active once again.

As for Opetaia, his mandatory position could be negated if his lawsuit against the IBF is successful and he is reinstated as their world champion, or if the winner of Benavidez-Cieslak decides to vacate the WBC world title during the aftermath.

However, should the Aussie be reinstated as a three-time IBF cruiserweight world champion, Benavidez would presumably still pursue the fight in a bid to fulfil his dream of becoming undisputed at cruiserweight.

Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson are reportedly in negotiations ahead of a potential showdown in November, and newly-crowned WBA lightweight champion Floyd Schofield, who has sparred both men, has cast his verdict on how the fight may play out.

Last week, WBO welterweight world champion Haney and WBO super-lightweight titleholder Stevenson publicly agreed to a 145lb catchweight affair after weeks of back and forth on social media.

It is understood that, should it happen, Haney’s world title would be up for grabs and that no rehydration clause would be included in the fight contract – something which Stevenson had been keen for when they were last in talks for a clash.

Speaking with Sean ZittelSchofield – who defeated Lucas Bahdi to get his hands on the WBA 135lb world title on Saturday – admitted that he is favouring Haney to come out on top.

“We would have to wait and see on fight night. I think that there is different things that both of them do good, I feel like it would just be a real technical fight.

“I think that I would favour Devin because, even though he is not a crazy power-puncher, we have seen how he was able to put Brian Norman Jr. on the floor – that is something we haven’t seen before.

“The reach, the size, the boxing skill [makes me favour Devin].”

It is believed that the target fight date for Haney-Stevenson is Saturday, November 28in Atlanta, for what could be one of the biggest boxing events of the 2026 calendar.

Jai Opetaia’s proposed fight with Deontay Wilder looks like a mismatch between a prime cruiserweight and a 40-year-old former champion with four defeats in his last seven fights. Dana White wants to sell Wilder’s punching power, but selling his ability to survive Opetaia’s speed and combination punching is another story entirely.

White says that Opetaia looks set for the Tyson Fury versus Anthony Joshua undercard on December 11 in Cardiff, naming Wilder as an active target. The bout remains unconfirmed.

“Jai Opetaia is more than likely going to be on the undercard. [Wilder] is one that we’ve been talking about and working on,” White said to Sky Sports. “The guy’s willing to fight anybody.”

White labeled the pairing “a very dangerous fight for him considering where he sits in his division right now.”

That view leans heavily on Wilder’s signature right hand while glossing over his recent slide. Now 40, Wilder has dropped four of his last seven outings. His stature rests on past triumphs, whereas this assignment requires coping with Opetaia’s modern rhythm, quick feet, and fluid combinations.

Raw power guarantees Wilder a puncher’s chance, yet that alone will not keep him in the contest. He must locate openings, release his shots under fire, and withstand incoming heat. Against Opetaia, every phase of that task presents real trouble.

Opetaia creates angles rather than standing stationary to absorb incoming fire. If Wilder hesitates, the Australian will bank rounds, land heavy volume, and leave the audience waiting on a counter that never lands.

The commercial upside for Opetaia makes complete sense. Wilder brings global brand value, so defeating him on a massive stadium platform elevates the Australian’s profile while placing a former heavyweight titleholder on his ledger.

Still, any victory carries context. Overcoming a faded veteran provides little indication of how Opetaia might handle the heavyweight division’s elite.

Promoters can market the sudden threat of one clean shot, but every boxing fundamental tilts toward Opetaia.