David Benavidez Loses Light Heavyweight Title

David Benavidez (32-0, 26 KOs) is no longer listed as the WBA’s regular light heavyweight champion in the organization’s September 30 rankings, following his move to cruiserweight.

Dmitry Bivol is listed as WBA super champion at 175 pounds, with Albert Ramirez as interim champion. Benavidez still holds the WBC light heavyweight title.

The change follows a request from the WBA last month for Benavidez to clarify which title he intended to continue campaigning for, whether he’d fight at light heavyweight or cruiserweight.

Benavidez moved up to cruiserweight in May, stopping Gilberto Ramirez in the sixth round to win the WBA and WBO titles in the 200-pound division. The WBA lists him as its super champion in that weight class.

Benavidez seemingly intends to stay at cruiserweight. The WBC elevated Michal Cieslak from interim to full cruiserweight champion, and sanctioned his mandatory defense against Benavidez. Unbeaten Jai Opetaia is expected to face the winner.

Albert Ramirez’s promoter, Camille Estephan, meanwhile said he expects his fighter to be elevated from interim to full champion. The WBA is yet to confirm this, though.