Mike Tyson, a boxing icon known for his ruthless power and terrifying presence inside the ring, recently revealed that there’s one fighter he would be afraid to face today: David Benavidez, nicknamed “The Mexican Monster.” In an interview with ES News, Tyson expressed his respect and caution for the 27-year-old super middleweight, praising Benavidez’s abilities and even going so far as to say that “no one has a chance” against him.

Tyson, who dominated the heavyweight division for years with his knockout power and intimidating persona, confessed that Benavidez’s skillset makes him one of the most underrated fighters in the sport. He added, “If I was in that division, I’d be afraid to fight him too.”

Benavidez, a former WBC super middleweight champion, has earned a reputation as one of the most feared and avoided boxers in the ring today. Known for his relentless pressure and powerful punching, fans have been eager to see him go up against another Mexican boxing legend, Canelo Alvarez. However, despite Benavidez being Canelo’s WBC mandatory opponent for over a year, the fight has yet to materialize.

In response to fans’ demand for the showdown, Benavidez’s promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, claimed that Al Haymon’s PBC offered $55 million to make the fight happen in May, but Canelo instead chose to face Jaime Mungia. Though Canelo’s team denied the offer, Benavidez has since moved up to light-heavyweight. In his debut at the higher weight class, Benavidez scored a dominant victory over Oleksandr Gvozdyk, cementing himself as a top contender for the WBC interim title.

Now positioned as the mandatory challenger for the winner of the upcoming light-heavyweight clash between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, Benavidez’s career is set to hit new heights. The anticipated October 12 showdown between Beterbiev and Bivol will determine the undisputed light-heavyweight champion, and Benavidez will likely face the winner in a blockbuster bout scheduled for Cinco de Mayo weekend.

Benavidez shared his thoughts on the Beterbiev-Bivol fight, acknowledging the contrast in their styles. “Bivol is a boxer, while Beterbiev is a train who takes shots to give shots,” he explained. According to Benavidez, the outcome will hinge on whether Bivol can withstand Beterbiev’s relentless pressure, as both fighters bring knockout power and high-level skills to the ring.

As Tyson’s praise echoes across the boxing world, David Benavidez stands on the brink of stardom, ready to prove his place among the sport’s elite. Whether he faces Canelo Alvarez or the winner of Beterbiev-Bivol, the “Mexican Monster” has made it clear that he is ready to take on any challenge — even one that might have intimidated Mike Tyson himself.