David Benavidez eyes December return against Michal Cieslak

David Benavidez is reportedly targeting a December 12 return to the ring against interim WBC cruiserweight champion Michal Cieslak. The bout is expected to take place near Benavidez’s birthplace in Phoenix, Arizona. This matchup follows the collapse of a potential unification bout against Noel Mikaelian, who signed with Zuffa Boxing.

In related boxing news, Hall of Fame fighter James Toney has named Benavidez as his choice for the world’s best pound-for-pound boxer. Toney dismissed other top contenders, including Shakur Stevenson, questioning the quality of opposition in the current era and urging fighters to seek out more dangerous opponents to justify their rankings.