On Dec. 5, Mexican superstar and unified WBA and WBO cruiserweight world champion David Benavidez will step into the ring at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, making a long-awaited homecoming return to Phoenix that Our Esquina reported.
It marks El Monstro’s first fight in his hometown since 2022, when he defeated David Lemieux in the state. Benavidez carries a 32-0 record with 26 knockouts into his next-month defense against WBC cruiserweight world champion Michael Cieslak, who holds a 28-2 record with 22 knockouts.
“I’m really grateful for the people of Arizona,” Benavidez 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.”
The stakes extend well beyond state pride. At 29 years old, Benavidez holds two belts in his first fights at cruiserweight and enters the bout pursuing a third championship to cement his status among boxing’s elite.
“I got two belts in my first fight at cruiserweight. And now I’m going for a third,” Benavidez 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.”
Standing in his way is Cieslak, defending his world title for the first time. That specific dynamic creates a distinct challenge for the challenger.
“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.”
The pay-per-view card, broadcast on DAZN through Prime Video starting at 8 p.m. ET, features several high-profile matchups supporting the main event.
Additional bouts fill out the evening:
- Emiliano “El General” Vargas (18-0, 15 KOs) faces super lightweight contender Omar Juarez (21-2, 8 KOs).
- Nikita Tszyu (12-0-1, 10 KOs) makes his U.S. debut in a 10-round super welterweight fight against Roberto Valenzuela Jr. (32-6, 30 KOs).
- Marco “El Tiburon” Romero (16-0, 14 KOs) opens the card in an 8-round middleweight bout against Cruse Stewart (10-4, 7 KOs).
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