Verhoeven exceeded expectations throughout the contest and enjoyed moments of success against one of boxing’s most accomplished champions.
Jones sees that fight as further evidence that Benavidez should seriously consider moving up to heavyweight in pursuit of a history-making opportunity.
“Imagine what David Benavidez would’ve done that night. Usyk would’ve had his first loss,” said Jones to Fighthype when discussing Usyk’s performance against Verhoeven.
“Doesn’t that make me look like a genius?”
Jones has repeatedly encouraged Benavidez to chase the biggest challenge available rather than remain focused on smaller fights at cruiserweight.
“That’s the only fight for David Benavidez right now. Anyone else would be a waste of time,” Jones said.
“You’ve got the chance to go up and make history. You’d be the first to beat him, then you’ve made history.”
Benavidez has rapidly become one of boxing’s most talked-about fighters following his dominant victory over Gilberto Ramirez last month. The win earned him the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles and fueled speculation about what challenge could come next for the unbeaten champion.
While many fans continue to call for Benavidez to face Jai Opetaia or pursue other major fights at cruiserweight, Jones believes the path is obvious.
“You see this guy do exactly what he did, and it shows that it can be done,” Jones said, referring to Verhoeven’s performance against Usyk.
Whether Benavidez ultimately decides to pursue a move to heavyweight remains unclear, but Jones is convinced the Mexican star has the size, pressure, and style needed to succeed where every other opponent has failed against Usyk.
