Teddy Atlas has highlighted a key advantage of David Benavidez, which Jai Opetaia must attempt to nullify if they end up colliding next year.
The two cruiserweights have verbally agreed to lock horns in 2027, with Benavidez acknowledging the Australian as a worthy opponent for Cinco de Mayo weekend.
Before targeting their potential showdown in May, though, ‘The Mexican Monster’ is expected to face WBC champion Michal Cieslak on December 12.
Following Opetaia’s ninth-round stoppage of Noel Mikealian last weekend, the WBC cruiserweight title became vacant and Cieslak was elevated from ‘interim’ to full champion.
As a result, Benavidez is set to enter a three-belt unification match after dethroning Gilberto Ramirez for the WBO and WBA titles earlier this year.
By scoring a sixth-round finish, the Mexican-American not only became a three-division world champion but also demonstrated his speed and power at 200lbs.
Top trainer Atlas has therefore suggested on his YouTube channel that these attributes, combined with his punches in bunches, could see the 29-year-old defeat Opetaia.
“He’s got the quicker hands – I think that’s one advantage. But he’s got power, too – just like Opetaia. And he’s a warrior – just like Opetaia. They’re both undefeated; they’re both champions.
“[Benavidez is] a guy, though, that throws with speed and power and punches in clusters. And that can be a problem.
“You can time it … but that might give [Benavidez] an edge. Opetaia might have to hurt him to slow him down and win the fight [on points]. It’s hard to visualise Opetaia outworking him when it comes to volume.”
Indeed, Opetaia is unlikely to match Benavidez’ tremendous punch output but, as the naturally bigger man, he may find success in other areas of their hoped-for contest.
