The veteran trainer did not dismiss Opetaia’s ability, but he suggested the unbeaten cruiserweight still has development ahead before facing the division’s most established names.
“Opetaia, I think he gets hurt every fight he fights,” Benavidez Sr said to Sean Zittel. “He gets hurt with fighters that are not even known. I think he needs a little bit more experience.”
IBF champion Opetaia is viewed by fans as the top fighter in a thin cruiserweight division. His two victories over former champion Mairis Briedis, who was already in his late 30s at the time, remain the most notable wins on his record.
Still, Benavidez Sr believes other champions represent more serious challenges at the moment.
“I see Beterbiev, Bivol, and Ramirez more dangerous than Opetaia,” Jose Sr said. “Don’t get me wrong, he’s a good fighter. He’s going to be a great fighter. But right now he doesn’t have the experience that David has.”
Benavidez Sr. also pointed to Ramirez as the more immediate focus, given the Mexican fighter’s experience and standing in the sport. Gilberto previously held a title at super middleweight before moving up in weight and establishing himself as a champion again at cruiserweight.
Benavidez is scheduled to challenge Zurdo in a cruiserweight bout that his father views as a major opportunity to prove his son can compete successfully above the light-heavyweight division. Jose Sr expects his son to look impressive in that fight.
“That’s the plan,” Benavidez Sr. said when asked about the possibility of a stoppage victory. “I think he’s going to stop him in the ninth or tenth. David can’t just win the fight. He has to look spectacular to get the bigger fights.”
While Opetaia remains a potential future opponent, depending on how the cruiserweight division develops, Benavidez Sr suggested the Australian champion still needs more time and experience before being viewed as the most dangerous challenge available to his son.
