David Benavidez’s Future: A Cautionary Note from Boxing Legends

As boxing fans gear up for David Benavidez’s showdown with David Morrell on February 1 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, some former champions are raising eyebrows about Benavidez’s potential jump to cruiserweight. Paulie Malignaggi, Timothy Bradley, and Chris Algieri—three respected voices in the sport—are cautioning the young star to focus on his upcoming fight rather than risk moving up in weight.

Is Cruiserweight the Right Move for Benavidez?

David Benavidez, a powerhouse in the super middleweight division, is contemplating stepping up to cruiserweight after his fight with Morrell. His dad, Jose Benavidez Sr., mentioned a possible clash with WBA cruiserweight champ Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez in the future. But here’s the thing: Benavidez has been frustrated in his hunt for a title shot at super middleweight, especially against the likes of Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.

Malignaggi, Bradley, and Algieri aren’t against Benavidez’s ambition, but they believe he needs to be careful. The cruiserweight division is stacked right now, with tough fighters like Jai Opetaia and Chris Billam-Smith. Malignaggi points out that while Benavidez has the size and skill to compete there, moving up without a solid plan could backfire.

The Risks of Moving Up a Weight Class

The former champions stress that jumping to cruiserweight isn’t just about packing on muscle. Malignaggi notes, “You’ve got Zurdo, Opetaia, and Billam-Smith waiting for you.” It’s not just a walk in the park; the cruiserweight division is competitive, and without a guaranteed title shot, Benavidez could face some serious challenges.

Bradley also chimed in, mentioning that Benavidez didn’t look as sharp at light heavyweight. He said, “At 175, he wasn’t as fluid as he was at 168, and his punching power seemed to drop.” If Benavidez struggles now, moving up to cruiserweight could be even tougher. “We’re talking about a mini Tyson Fury,” he added, emphasizing that while Benavidez has heart and skill, he needs to tread carefully.

Focus on the Fight Ahead

Algieri, who also happens to be a nutrition expert, shared a cautionary tale about Roy Jones Jr. and how he struggled after moving up in weight. “Getting rid of muscle isn’t easy once you’ve added it,” Algieri warned. He believes if Benavidez goes to cruiserweight, it might be hard for him to come back down. “That’s a big jump,” he said, pointing out that moving up 25 pounds isn’t a small feat.

Malignaggi wrapped up the discussion by acknowledging Benavidez’s frustrations in getting title fights but insisted he needs to keep his eyes on the prize. “David Morrell is no easy opponent,” he stressed, reminding fans and fighters alike that the focus should be on the challenge in front of him.

Conclusion: What’s Next for Benavidez?

As David Benavidez gets ready to face David Morrell, the advice from these boxing veterans is clear: stay focused on the current fight. While the idea of moving up to cruiserweight might sound appealing, the risks involved could be significant. By concentrating on his matchup with Morrell and navigating the super middleweight scene, Benavidez can build a stronger legacy and make smarter decisions about his boxing future.