“There can only be one monster in this weight division, and it’s me,” Benavidez told Opetaia. “We’re gonna give the fans a hell of a fight,” Opetaia replied.
That exchange gives the cruiserweight division the fight it needs. Opetaia (31-0, 24 KOs) has established himself as the leading fighter at 200 pounds, while Benavidez brings the larger American audience and punching power needed to turn a cruiserweight bout into a major event.
The verbal agreement is not a signed contract. Benavidez previously objected to fighting for a Zuffa Boxing title and cited promotional politics as an obstacle. Opetaia has also qu
