David Benavidez Bio
Anthony David Benavidez, born December 17, 1996, in Phoenix, Arizona, United States, is a Mexican American professional boxer and a two-weight world champion. He currently holds the WBA (Regular) and WBC light heavyweight titles and previously held the WBC super middleweight title twice between 2017 and 2020. Known as the youngest super middleweight world champion in history, Benavidez maintains an undefeated professional record of 31 wins with 25 knockouts, demonstrating his aggressive orthodox style and a reach of 189 cm.
Early Life and Background
David Benavidez was born to a Mexican father and an Ecuadorian mother in Phoenix, Arizona. His older brother, José Benavidez Jr., is also a professional boxer and former WBA interim welterweight champion. Both brothers were trained by their father from an early age. As a teenager, Benavidez struggled with his weight, reaching 250 pounds before committing to a disciplined regimen to slim down and focus on boxing.
He began boxing at the age of three and had a limited amateur career with a record of 15 wins and no losses, largely due to weight challenges during his early teens. This early exposure laid the foundation for his professional career, which he started at the age of 16.
Path to Boxing
Benavidez made his professional debut in 2013, quickly establishing himself as a promising talent. His early career included winning the NABF Junior light heavyweight title in 2015. He signed a promotional deal with Sampson Boxing in 2015, which helped elevate his profile. Throughout his early fights, he demonstrated power and skill, often finishing opponents by knockout.
His rapid rise was marked by notable victories and a growing reputation as a top prospect in the super middleweight division. His aggressive style and physical attributes made him a formidable opponent as he transitioned to competing at the national and international levels.
David Benavidez Career
Early Career (2013–2016)
Benavidez began his professional career with a knockout win over Erasmo Moreno. By the end of 2015, he had amassed 12 wins, 11 by stoppage, maintaining an undefeated record. He gained experience fighting on undercards of major events, including bouts broadcast on Fox Sports 1 and ESPN.
His early fights showcased his power and ability to control opponents, with notable wins against Kevin Cobbs and Francy Ntetu. These performances established him as a rising star within the boxing community.
WBC Super Middleweight Breakthrough (2017–2020)
In September 2017, Benavidez won the vacant WBC super middleweight title by defeating Ronald Gavril via split decision. He became the youngest super middleweight world champion at just over 20 years old. He successfully defended the title in a rematch against Gavril, winning by unanimous decision with a dominant performance.
Benavidez faced challenges including a positive drug test in 2018, which led to a suspension and temporary loss of his title. He returned to the ring in 2019 with a knockout win over J’Leon Love and reclaimed the WBC super middleweight title in 2019 by defeating Anthony Dirrell via corner retirement after nine rounds.
He defended his title multiple times, including a tenth-round stoppage of Roamer Alexis Angulo in 2020, despite being stripped of the title for missing weight. Benavidez continued to demonstrate resilience and skill through these challenges.
Transition to Light Heavyweight and Current Era (2024–Present)
In 2024, Benavidez moved up to the light heavyweight division, capturing the WBC interim light heavyweight title by defeating Oleksandr Gvozdyk via unanimous decision despite a torn tendon in his right hand. He also won the WBC interim super middleweight title multiple times between 2022 and 2024.
In 2025, Benavidez was elevated to full WBC light heavyweight champion after Dmitry Bivol relinquished the title. He also secured the WBA (Regular) light heavyweight title the same year. Benavidez successfully defended his light heavyweight titles, including a notable seventh-round TKO victory over Anthony Yarde in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking his first stoppage win in the division.
Driving Style and Strengths
David Benavidez fights with an orthodox stance, utilizing his 189 cm reach to maintain distance and deliver powerful combinations. His aggressive style, quick hands, and combination punching make him a relentless pressure fighter. He adapts his strategy to focus on footwork, distance, and head movement, especially in higher weight classes.
Notable Events and Milestones
Benavidez holds the record as the youngest super middleweight world champion in history. His undefeated professional record of 31 wins includes 25 knockouts. Key milestones include winning the WBC super middleweight title twice, moving up to light heavyweight to claim multiple interim and full titles, and successfully defending his belts internationally.
David Benavidez Career Wins
David Benavidez has maintained an undefeated professional record with 31 wins, including 25 by knockout. His victories span multiple weight classes and include regional titles and world championships, reflecting his dominance and consistency in the sport.
Super Middleweight Highlights
Benavidez first won the WBC super middleweight title in 2017 and defended it successfully multiple times. After a suspension and temporary loss of the title, he reclaimed it in 2019 and continued to defend it until 2020. His wins over Ronald Gavril, Anthony Dirrell, and Roamer Alexis Angulo stand out as significant achievements in this division.
Light Heavyweight Highlights
Since moving to light heavyweight in 2024, Benavidez has captured the WBC interim and full light heavyweight titles as well as the WBA (Regular) light heavyweight title. His first stoppage win in this division came against Anthony Yarde in 2025, underscoring his power and skill at the higher weight.
David Benavidez Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
David Benavidez comes from a boxing family with a Mexican father and Ecuadorian mother. His older brother, José Benavidez Jr., is also a professional boxer and former WBA interim welterweight champion. Both brothers have been trained by their father throughout their careers, highlighting a strong family involvement in their boxing development.
Personal Life
Details about Benavidez’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly disclosed. His focus remains primarily on his professional boxing career.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, David Benavidez solidified his status as a top light heavyweight by securing the WBC and WBA (Regular) light heavyweight titles. He successfully defended his titles against notable opponents, including a dominant TKO win over Anthony Yarde in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This fight marked his first stoppage victory in the light heavyweight division and demonstrated his ability to adapt and excel at a higher weight class.
Benavidez’s 2025 campaign included strategic adjustments focusing on footwork and defensive maneuvers, complementing his aggressive style. His undefeated record and championship defenses have positioned him as a leading figure in the light heavyweight division with prospects for further high-profile bouts.