History of David Benavidez in Timeline

David Benavidez is a prominent American professional boxer recognized for his achievements in multiple weight divisions. He currently holds the WBA and WBC light heavyweight titles, secured in February and April 2025, respectively. He previously held the WBC super middleweight title twice between 2017 and 2020, marking him as a two-time former champion in that division. Benavidez is known for his aggressive fighting style and power, making him a significant figure in the boxing world.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

December 17, 1996: David Benavidez's Birth

On December 17, 1996, Anthony David Benavidez, who would later become a two-weight-class world champion, was born.

Others born on this day/year

November 2011: Andrade's last fight in Las Vegas

November 2011 marks the last time Andrade fought in Las Vegas.

April 2015: NABF Junior Light Heavyweight Title Win

In April 2015, David Benavidez won his first belt, the NABF Junior light heavyweight title, against Rollin Williams.

July 2015: Fight Announcement on ESPN Against Denis Douglin

In July 2015, PBC announced that David Benavidez would next fight Denis Douglin in his first 10-round bout on August 5 on ESPN at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

October 2015: Signing with Sampson Boxing

In October 2015, David Benavidez signed a promotional deal with Sampson Lewkowicz's Sampson Boxing.

January 7, 2016: Announcement of Fight Against Kevin Cobbs

On January 7, 2016, it was announced that David Benavidez would face Kevin Cobbs on January 18 on Fox Sports 1's PBC Toe-To-Toe Tuesdays at Club Nokia in Los Angeles.

March 24, 2017: WBC Sanctioned Fight Announcement

On March 24, 2017, it was announced that WBC agreed to sanction David Benavidez against Rogelio Medina for the #2 mandatory spot on May 20 at the Laredo Energy Arena in Laredo, Texas.

September 2017: WBC Super Middleweight Title Win

In September 2017, David Benavidez defeated Ronald Gavril by split decision to win the vacant WBC super middleweight title at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Nevada.

October 2, 2017: Rematch Talks Begin

On October 2, 2017, immediately after the first bout, rematch talks began between David Benavidez and Ronald Gavril.

November 2017: Contract Extension

In November 2017, David Benavidez signed an extension with Sampson Lewkowicz's company, which extended his contract until 2021.

December 2017: Deal Close to Being Finalized

In December 2017, a deal was close to being finalized for the rematch between David Benavidez and Ronald Gavril to take place on the undercard of Danny García vs. Brandon Ríos on Showtime on February 17, 2018.

2017: First Fight of 2017

David Benavidez's first bout of 2017 took place on January 28 on the Carl Frampton vs. Léo Santa Cruz II undercard at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Paradise, Nevada, against fellow prospect Sherali Mamajonov.

2017: WBC Super Middleweight Title (First)

In 2017, David Benavidez first held the WBC super middleweight title.

January 2018: Rematch Scheduled

In January 2018, a deal was close to being finalized for a rematch to take place between David Benavidez and Ronald Gavril, on February 17, 2018.

February 17, 2018: Benavidez vs Gavril Rematch

On February 17, 2018, David Benavidez dominated Ronald Gavril in their rematch, winning via unanimous decision at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Paradise, Nevada.

May 17, 2018: Deal Close to Being Reached

According to sources in Mexico back on May 17, 2018, a deal was close to being reached for David Benavidez to defend his WBC title against Matt Korobov on July 28.

September 18, 2018: Positive Cocaine Test

On September 18, 2018, it was reported that David Benavidez had tested positive for cocaine from a urine sample collected on August 27 by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA).

December 2018: Return to the Ring Announced

On 19 December 2018, it was announced that David Benavidez would be returning to the ring on March 16.

February 2019: Suspension by WBC

In February 2019, David Benavidez received a four months-long suspension through February 2019 by the WBC and was stripped of his title after testing positive for cocaine.

Mar 16, 2019: Fight Against J'Leon Love

On Mar 16, 2019, David Benavidez faced J'Leon Love at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and won by knockout in the second round.

Sep 28, 2019: Benavidez vs Direll

On Sep 28, 2019, David Benavidez and Anthony Direll fought at the Staples Center, Los Angeles, California, U.S.

August 15, 2020: Fight Against Roamer Alexis Angulo

On August 15, 2020, David Benavidez fought Roamer Alexis Angulo and won, but was stripped of his title after weighing in over the super middleweight limit.

2020: Loss of WBC Super Middleweight Title

In 2020, David Benavidez no longer held the WBC super middleweight title.

March 13, 2021: Fight Against Ronald Ellis

On March 13, 2021, David Benavidez fought Ronald Ellis and stopped him in the eleventh round via technical knockout.

July 14, 2021: Announcement of Fight Against José Uzcátegui

On July 14, 2021, Showtime announced that David Benavidez was scheduled for an August 28 bout against José Uzcátegui at the Phoenix Suns Arena.

2021: Contract End Date

In November 2017, David Benavidez signed an extension with Sampson Lewkowicz's company, extending his contract until 2021.

May 21, 2022: WBC Interim Super Middleweight Title Win

On May 21, 2022, David Benavidez faced David Lemieux for the vacant WBC interim super middleweight title and won by stoppage in round 3.

January 25, 2023: Announcement of Fight Against Caleb Plant

On January 25, 2023, it was announced that David Benavidez would defend his WBC interim super middleweight title against Caleb Plant on March 25.

March 2023: Benavidez defeats Caleb Plant

In March 2023, Benavidez had a career-best win by defeating Caleb Plant.

August 2023: Deal Finalized for Benavidez vs. Andrade

In August 2023, ESPN's Mike Coppinger reported that a deal was being finalized for a fight between David Benavidez and Demetrius Andrade, targeting a date before the end of the year. This marked a significant opportunity for Andrade, who was struggling to secure a fight with a high-profile opponent.

June 15, 2024: Benavidez Wins Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Title

On June 15, 2024, David Benavidez faced Oleksandr Gvozdyk for the interim WBC light heavyweight title at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and won via unanimous decision.

October 8, 2024: Benavidez to Face David Morell

On October 8, 2024, it was announced that Benavidez would face David Morell, who held the WBA (Regular) light heavyweight title at the time.

February 2025: WBA Light Heavyweight Title (Regular)

In February 2025, David Benavidez secured the WBA light heavyweight title (Regular version).

March 7, 2025: WBC Orders Bivol to Defend Against Benavidez

On March 7, 2025, following Benavidez's win over Beterbiev, the WBC formally ordered Dmitry Bivol to make a mandatory defence against Benavidez. Both teams were given until 8 April to negotiate a deal.

April 2025: WBC Light Heavyweight Title

In April 2025, David Benavidez won the WBC light heavyweight title.

June 2025: Hearn Receives Offer for Benavidez vs. Smith

In June 2025, Eddie Hearn revealed he had received an offer from PBC for Benavidez to defend his world title against British boxer Callum Smith, with the aim for the fight to take place in October.