David Benavidez has been urged to remain true to his word after promising to face an unbeaten knockout artist in 2027.

The 29-year-old comes off a vicious sixth-round stoppage of Gilberto Ramirez, who he dethroned to become a three-division world champion in May.

Now holding the WBO and WBA cruiserweight titles, Benavidez is expected to enter a three-belt unification match against WBC champion Michal Cieslak on December 12.

The 37-year-old was elevated from ‘interim’ to full WBC champion on Monday, with Noel Mikaelian having been stripped of his title after suffering a ninth-round stoppage defeat to Jai Opetaia last weekend.

Even without holding one of the four major sanctioning body belts, though, many would consider Opetaia to be one of Benavidez’ toughest potential opponents.

Recognising the demand for them to collide, the pair have now verbally agreed to square off on Cinco de Mayo weekend of next year.

From Opetaia’s perspective, however, there must be a contractual agreement before he can truly get his hopes up and start preparing to dethrone ‘The Mexican Monster’.

Speaking with Ring Magazine, the former IBF world champion said he is not bothered when or where it happens, so long as their showdown actually takes place.

“I just want to concrete the fight. It was good to have [Benavidez in the ring after the Mikaelian fight]; it was good to hear his words, so I’m just hoping we get that fight over the line.

“These guys are the ones picking the dates – it is what it is. Send me the date; send me the location. We’ll be there.”

🗣️ "Send me the location!"

Jai Opetaia tells @Versaceboxing he's ready to rumble with David Benavidez 😤

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— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) September 18, 2026

While being an unbeaten, world-level fighter himself, Opetaia seemingly recognises his position as the relative B-side and that, ultimately, Benavidez will determine the date and location for their possible encounter.