History of David Benavidez in Timeline

"Anthony David Benavidez is an American professional boxer who has made history in the super middleweight division. He is a two-time WBC champion, having held the title from 2017-2018 and 2019-2020, and currently holds the interim championship. Benavidez holds the record for the youngest super middleweight title holder, achieving the feat at just 20 years old. He is consistently ranked among the top boxers in his division by major boxing organizations."

December 17, 1996: Birth

David Benavidez was born on December 17, 1996.

April 2015: NABF Junior Light Heavyweight Championship

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

July 2015: Fight Announcement

In July 2015, PBC announced Benavidez would next fight on ESPN against contender Denis Douglin (20-4, 13 KOs) in his first 10-round bout on August 5 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: Fight Announcement

On January 7, 2016, it was announced that Benavidez would start the year against Kevin Cobbs (10–1, 4 KOs) on a Fox Sports 1 edition of PBC Toe-To-Toe Tuesdays on January 18 at Club Nokia in Los Angeles.

March 24, 2017: WBC Mandatory Spot Sanction

On March 24, 2017, it was announced that WBC agreed to sanction Benavidez against former world title challenger Rogelio Medina (37–7, 31 KOs) for the #2 mandatory spot on May 20 at the Laredo Energy Arena in Laredo, Texas.

September 2017: WBC Super Middleweight Championship

Benavidez would face Romanian contender Ronald Gavril (18-1, 14 KOs) on September 8 for the world title at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Nevada. Benavidez defeated Gavril after 12 rounds by split decision.

October 2, 2017: Rematch Negotiations

Benavidez's promoter Sampson Promotions confirmed on October 2, 2017, that negotiations had begun with Mayweather Promotions for a rematch to take place in January 2018.

December 2017: Rematch Deal Close to Finalized

In December 2017, a deal was close to being finalized for the rematch against Ronald Gavril to take place on the undercard of Danny García vs. Brandon Ríos on Showtime.

2017: Fight Against Sherali Mamajonov

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 (14–1, 7 KOs). Benavidez won the fight in the second round by TKO.

2017: First WBC Super Middleweight Championship

David Benavidez won his first WBC super middleweight championship in 2017.

January 2018: Rematch Negotiations

In January 2018, negotiations for a rematch against Ronald Gavril were underway.

February 17, 2018: Rematch against Ronald Gavril

The rematch against Ronald Gavril took place on February 17, 2018 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Paradise, Nevada. Benavidez won the fight by unanimous decision.

May 17, 2018: Negotiations for Benavidez vs. Korobov

On May 17, 2018, reports emerged about negotiations for a WBC title defense for Benavidez against Matt Korobov, planned for the undercard of Mikey Garcia vs. Robert Easter Jr. on July 28 in Los Angeles.

September 18, 2018: Positive Drug Test and Suspension

On September 18, 2018, it was reported that Benavidez had tested positive for cocaine. He was eventually stripped of his title and received a four months-long suspension through February 2019 by the WBC.

December 2018: Return to the Ring Announcement

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

2018: Loss of WBC Super Middleweight Championship

David Benavidez lost his WBC super middleweight championship in 2018.

February 2019: End of Suspension

Benavidez's suspension for a positive drug test ended in February 2019.

Mar 16, 2019: Benavidez vs. Love

On March 16, 2019, David Benavidez fought J'Leon Love at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Benavidez won the fight by knocking out Love in the second round.

Sep 28, 2019: Benavidez vs. Dirrell

On September 28, 2019, David Benavidez fought Anthony Dirrell at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.

2019: Second WBC Super Middleweight Championship

David Benavidez won the WBC super middleweight championship for the second time in 2019.

August 15, 2020: Benavidez vs. Angulo

On August 15, 2020, David Benavidez faced Roamer Alexis Angulo. Despite winning the fight in a tenth-round stoppage, Benavidez lost his super middleweight title due to being over the weight limit.

2020: Loss of WBC Super Middleweight Championship

David Benavidez lost his WBC super middleweight championship in 2020.

March 13, 2021: Benavidez vs. Ellis

On March 13, 2021, David Benavidez fought Ronald Ellis, ranked #8 by the WBC at super middleweight, and secured a victory via technical knockout in the eleventh round.

July 14, 2021: Benavidez vs. Uzcátegui Announced

On July 14, 2021, a bout between David Benavidez and José Uzcátegui was announced for August 28 at the Phoenix Suns Arena.

May 21, 2022: Benavidez vs. Lemieux

David Benavidez fought David Lemieux on May 21, 2022, for the vacant WBC interim super middleweight title. Benavidez won the fight in the third round by technical knockout.