Renowned trainer Robert Garcia has voiced his confidence in a potential matchup between David Benavidez and Jai Opetaia, insisting that one fighter stands above all others.
The two cruiserweight contenders have reached a verbal agreement to compete next year, with Las Vegas emerging as the frontrunner to host their Cinco de Mayo weekend bout.
First, Benavidez is slated to face WBC champion Michal Cieslak in December, concluding the final fight on his current deal with Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions.
A victory would see the 29-year-old hold three of the four major cruiserweight titles, having already stripped Gilberto Ramirez of the WBO and WBA straps.
He secured that triumph with a brutal sixth-round stoppage in May, establishing himself as a three-division world champion in his debut at 200 pounds.
Most analysts regard Opetaia as Benavidez’s most formidable opponent, given that the 31-year-old Australian is a natural cruiserweight and remains unbeaten across 31 contests.
Even in his recent outing, where many perceived a below-par performance, Opetaia delivered a ninth-round finish over former champion Noel Mikaelian.
Despite the impressive result, Garcia told ProBox TV that Opetaia would not get the chance to recover against Benavidez.
“I do pick Benavidez. That’s why he’s called ‘The Monster’. He’s unbeatable. I see him going to heavyweight and actually doing good there.
“I think Opetaia took some hard punches [against Mikaelian]; he got stunned a little bit. If that’s Benavidez, he doesn’t let him go. Benavidez is always in great shape, ready to go all twelve rounds into a war. It’s a different man right there.”
Beyond his elite boxing ability, the Mexican-American is also establishing himself as a commercial force and mainstream attraction.
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