MANCHESTER — David Benavidez has officially relinquished his WBC light-heavyweight world title, confirming his intention to remain at cruiserweight. The 29-year-old, who previously vacated his WBA regular belt in the same division, has decided against returning to 175lbs following his successful move to the cruiserweight ranks earlier this year.
The WBC has confirmed that the vacant light-heavyweight title will now be contested by Joshua Buatsi and Willy Hutchinson in their rematch on 7 November at the AO Arena in Manchester. The fixture, which was originally scheduled for the interim belt, will now offer the winner the opportunity to claim world honours for the first time.
Benavidez, who secured WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles by stopping Gilberto Ramirez in May, is currently preparing for a December bout against Mikael Cieslak for the WBC cruiserweight belt. Looking beyond that contest, the American has indicated a desire to face IBF champion Jai Opetaia, with a potential future move to the heavyweight division to challenge Oleksandr Usyk also under consideration.