Benavidez Says He Would Challenge Usyk at Heavyweight to Cement His Legacy

David Benavidez is not afraid to dream big. The American star says he would willingly move all the way up to heavyweight to challenge Oleksandr Usyk, declaring that he wants his respect — and that he would earn it one way or another. In an interview published on Thursday, Benavidez said he would prepare for Usyk like his life depended on it. "I'm going to train for that fight like I'm scared for my life, and that's going to bring the best version out of me," he said. "I'm not going to run, because I don't run." Benavidez, who is set for a three-belt cruiserweight unification against Michal Cieslak on December 5, argued that Usyk has more accolades than even Canelo Alvarez in his eyes. "Once I beat him, there's no denying me my spot in the history of boxing," he said. No fight is signed, and the jump in weight would be enormous. But Benavidez has built his reputation on chasing the biggest names available — and by naming Usyk, he has put the heavyweight king firmly in his sights.