The veteran coach didn’t dismiss Opetaia’s capacity, however he instructed the unbeaten cruiserweight nonetheless has improvement forward earlier than dealing with the division’s most established names.
“Opetaia, I believe he will get harm each battle he fights,” Benavidez Sr mentioned to Sean Zittel. “He will get harm with fighters that aren’t even identified. I believe he wants a bit of bit extra expertise.”
IBF champion Opetaia is considered by followers as the highest fighter in a skinny cruiserweight division. His two victories over former champion Mairis Briedis, who was already in his late 30s on the time, stay essentially the most notable wins on his report.
Nonetheless, Benavidez Sr believes different champions signify extra severe challenges for the time being.
“I see Beterbiev, Bivol, and Ramirez extra harmful than Opetaia,” Jose Sr mentioned. “Don’t get me unsuitable, he’s an excellent fighter. He’s going to be a fantastic fighter. However proper now he doesn’t have the expertise that David has.”
Benavidez Sr. additionally pointed to Ramirez because the extra rapid focus, given the Mexican fighter’s expertise and standing within the sport. Gilberto beforehand held a title at tremendous middleweight earlier than transferring up in weight and establishing himself as a champion once more at cruiserweight.
Benavidez is scheduled to problem Zurdo in a cruiserweight bout that his father views as a significant alternative to show his son can compete efficiently above the light-heavyweight division. Jose Sr expects his son to look spectacular in that battle.
“That’s the plan,” Benavidez Sr. mentioned when requested about the potential of a stoppage victory. “I believe he’s going to cease him within the ninth or tenth. David can’t simply win the battle. He has to look spectacular to get the larger fights.”
Whereas Opetaia stays a possible future opponent, relying on how the cruiserweight division develops, Benavidez Sr instructed the Australian champion nonetheless wants extra time and expertise earlier than being considered as essentially the most harmful problem out there to his son.
