David Benavidez, born on December 17, 1996, is an American professional boxer who has made a significant mark in the sport.
Known for his explosive hand speed and powerful punches, he has earned nicknames like The Mexican Monster and The Arizona Wildcat.
Benavidez began his professional career at the young age of 16, making his debut on August 17, 2013, with a first-round knockout victory over Erasmo Mendoza.
Since then, he has remained undefeated throughout his career, boasting a record of 29 wins, with 24 of those victories coming by way of knockout.
Parents
David is the son of Jose Benavidez Sr. and Alma Benavidez.
His father, Jose Sr., is a former professional boxer from Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, who later became a trainer, instilling a passion for boxing in his sons.
Alma Benavidez, David’s mother, has Ecuadorian-Dominican heritage and has been a constant source of support throughout David’s boxing career13.
Jose Sr. had a challenging upbringing, facing abandonment and hardship in Mexico before moving to the United States at age 11.
He aimed to provide a better life for his sons and was known for his strict parenting style, which shaped David’s discipline and resilience in the sport.
Career
Benavidez is one of the most exciting and accomplished boxers of his generation.
His father, Jose Benavidez Sr., was a professional boxer who later became a trainer, and David was exposed to the sport at an early age.
With Mexican and Dominican heritage, Benavidez carries a proud cultural identity that resonates with his fans.
He began training seriously as a teenager and quickly demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication.
His amateur career was marked by success in various tournaments, showcasing his technical skills and knockout power, which would later define his professional career.
At just 16 years old, Benavidez turned professional, making his debut on August 17, 2013.
From the outset, he displayed an aggressive style characterized by speed, power, and relentless pressure.
Hhis early fights were dominant performances that earned him recognition as a rising star in the sport.
In September 2017, Benavidez made history by defeating Ronald Gavril to become the WBC super middleweight champion.
At just 20 years old, he became the youngest fighter ever to hold that title in the division. This victory marked the beginning of his reign as one of the top fighters in boxing.
Benavidez faced challenges along the way but always managed to bounce back stronger.
After losing his WBC title outside the ring due to a positive drug test in 2018 and later failing to make weight in 2020, he reclaimed his status as a champion by defeating Anthony Dirrell via TKO in September 2019.
This fight showcased his ability to dominate elite opponents with his powerful combinations and relentless aggression.
He continued to build his legacy with victories over top contenders like Caleb Plant in March 2023.
In that fight, Benavidez won via unanimous decision after outclassing Plant with effective pressure and superior power.
Benavidez’s fighting style is what sets him apart from many of his peers.
Known for his knockout power—evidenced by an impressive record of 24 knockouts in 29 wins—he overwhelms opponents with rapid-fire combinations and relentless pressure.
Looking ahead, Benavidez has expressed interest in high-profile matchups that could define his legacy further.
