Fans criticise Benavidez over Cieślak defence instead of Opetaia

David Benavidez is facing criticism from boxing fans over plans to defend his cruiserweight status against Michal Cieślak on December 12 instead of meeting Jai Opetaia. The American holds the WBA and WBO belts, but supporters believe Opetaia remains the key opponent at 200 pounds.

Cieślak is the WBC interim champion and has 22 knockout victories, making him a credible challenger. However, the 37-year-old Polish fighter has lost both of his previous world-title contests, falling to Ilunga Makabu on points in 2020 and Lawrence Okolie by decision two years later.

The criticism centres on Benavidez’s earlier comments about the timing of an Opetaia fight. Before stopping Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez in the sixth round in May, Benavidez indicated that the main elements of a meeting with Opetaia had been agreed. He later said the bout had been pushed back by one or two years.

Benavidez also gave a longer timetable in April after Opetaia was stripped of the IBF title. He argued that losing the belt had changed what the fight would be contested for, and suggested that the meeting could now be two or three years away rather than roughly one year away.

That position has fuelled accusations that Benavidez is avoiding the division’s most demanding challenge. Opetaia is a former IBF champion, and his status as the leading cruiserweight remains intact in the eyes of his supporters despite losing the belt outside the ring. They see the Australian southpaw as the opponent Benavidez must defeat to claim clear supremacy.

A possible route to that fight remains open. Opetaia is scheduled to face Noel Mikaelian on September 12, while discussions are continuing over Benavidez meeting the winner. An upset by Mikaelian would change the debate around the division, but the proposed future bout has not ended the scepticism. Fans want the contest formalised before accepting that Opetaia is truly next.