The Mexican Monster — the most feared active super middleweight and the man Canelo avoided.
David Benavidez was born in Phoenix, Arizona in 1996 to Mexican immigrant parents. He won the WBC super middleweight title at 20 — the youngest super middleweight champion in history. He was stripped of the title for failing a drug test (cocaine) in 2018 before regaining it. His combination of power, work rate and aggression at super middleweight made him the most avoided fighter at 168 lbs — with Canelo Álvarez declining multiple opportunities to fight him despite fan demand. He moved to light heavyweight in 2024 and won the WBC interim title. He is the most powerful and feared fighter in the super middleweight to light heavyweight range.
Devastating power and aggressive fighting style
How They Played
Aggressive pressure fighter with exceptional power
Lasting Impact
Dominant super middleweight contender seeking undisputed status
WBC Super Middleweight Champion
Career Honours
- WBC Super Middleweight Champion
- Interim WBC Super Middleweight
- Undefeated at 168 lbs
- Ring Magazine Fighter of Year