Max Kellerman Says David Benavidez Is Too Big For Bivol

Bivol recently returned from a 15-month layoff and back surgery with a dominant unanimous decision victory over Michael Eifert. While discussing what could come next for each fighters, Max Kellerman argued that Benavidez could have already moved beyond the sunshine heavyweight division.

“I got to be honest about Benavidez at once. I believe he’s too big for those guys [Bivol and Beterbiev]. I believe Benavidez got to take a look at Jai Opetaia,” Kellerman said on InsideRingShow.

Kellerman later expanded on that view, suggesting Benavidez has turn out to be a natural cruiserweight after his move up in weight.

“Benavidez is a 200-pounder,” Kellerman said.

The panel debated whether Bivol’s elite boxing ability could still offset Benavidez’s physical benefits. Mike Coppinger pointed to Bivol’s distance control and defensive skills, while Kellerman maintained that Benavidez’s size, youth, and punch output would present a unique variety of challenge.

Benavidez’s stock has climbed rapidly since his victory over Ramirez. Questions surrounded how his power and pressure would carry to cruiserweight, but lots of those doubts disappeared after he stopped the previous unified champion in six rounds.

For Kellerman, the more compelling discussion may now not involve Bivol in any respect.

Somewhat than specializing in a return to 175 kilos, he suggested Benavidez should begin targeting the largest names at cruiserweight, with Opetaia standing out because the fight that makes essentially the most sense.