David Benavidez set for Phoenix homecoming

In what looks to be one of the most anticipated fights of the year, Mexican superstar and unified WBA and WBO Cruiserweight World Champion David Benavidez will make his homecoming return to Phoenix. It will be El Monstro’s first fight in his hometown since 2022.

David Benavidez, who is known as the Mexican Monster or Monstro, looks to fend off WBC Cruiserweight world champion Michael Cieslak (28-2-0, 22 KOs) next month. 

“I’m really grateful for the people of Arizona,” Benanvidez said. “Having a Phoenix native getting into the ring here in a three-belt unification is historic. I’m happy to be representing Phoenix just like I always do no matter where I am.”

Three’s company 

David Benavidez, 29, is one of boxing’s pound-for-pound best and most exciting champions. He’ll return to his home state of Arizona after destroying David Lemiuex there in 2022. At the time, Benavidez (32-0-0, 26 KOs)  was well on his way to continuing his hot start to his career and continuing to truly cement himself as one of the very best. 

With this challenge, he knows Cieslak is no easy fight. Both fighters have a lot on the line. There’s a lot at stake both inside and outside the ring, but for Benavidez, there’s one part of the fight that can’t go unnoticed. With two belts under his name and looking for a third, Benavidez believes that his success is unstoppable.

“I got two belts in my first fight at cruiserweight. And now I’m going for a third,” he said. “Me being undisputed is inevitable. I’m going to make my way to the top of the pound-for-pound list very soon. I will be number one.”

More from Our Esquina

Mexican Monster David Benavidez adds new crown

Ocañas: For Latinos, midterm turnout was about respect, rent

Auburn siblings Antonio, Elijah Melendez pack punch

And what better way to claim another belt than to do it in your home state? All victories for boxers are special, but for Benavidez, becoming a champion once again, this time with family and friends in attendance, could be something that he will truly never forget. Being able to represent his city is a title that holds a lot more weight than any belt. 

“The biggest challenge with Cieslak is that he’s coming into this fight defending his title for the first time,” Benavidez said. “Every fighter has that motivation after winning the title that you really don’t wanna let it go. He’s gonna come in strong, but I don’t run away from any competition.” 

Vergil Ortiz highlights co-main event

As part of the co-main event, all-action undefeated star Vergil Ortiz Jr. (24-0-0, 22 KOs) will anchor the co-main event. He’ll fight former unified world champion Keith “One Time” Thurman (31-2-0, 23 KOs) in a 12-round middleweight affair. The undercards of the event are filled with rising stars.

Unbeaten phenom Emiliano “El General” Vargas (18-0-0, 15 KOs) will fight super lightweight contender Omar Juarez (21-2-0, 8 KOs). Unbeaten Australian star Nikita Tszyu (12-0-1, 10 KOs) will fight for the first time in the U.S. He’ll be in a 10-round super welterweight fight against Roberto Valenzuela Jr. (32-6-0, 30 KOs). Rising undefeated middleweight star Marco “El Tiburon” Romero (16-0-0, 14 KOs) returns to action in the 8-round opening bout against Cruse Stewart (10-4-0, 7 KOs). 

The pay-per-view event will take place at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, on  Dec. 5. It will be available on DAZN through Prime Video beginning at 8 p.m. ET.