By: William Jones

David Benavidez has been boxing almost his entire life. Born in Phoenix, Arizona, to a Mexican father and a mother with roots in Los Angeles and Ecuador, he stepped into the ring at just three years old. Today, at 29, he’s a six-time world champion and one of the youngest fighters to ever win a WBC title.

But for Benavidez, it’s never been just about titles or fame. “I’ve never been motivated by money or recognition,” he says. “What drives me is achieving greatness and leaving a legacy in boxing.”

This year, he’s taking that drive to new levels. Benavidez will move up from light heavyweight to cruiserweight to fight for two world titles during the week of Cinco de Mayo, one of boxing’s biggest weekends. “I want to make the biggest and best fights happen for the fans,” he says. “I’m here to entertain and show why I love this sport so much.”

Benavidez’s commitment goes beyond physical training. He keeps his training camp at home, surrounded by his family—a choice that’s central to his focus. “Being away from my kids messes with me,” he admits. “My family is my engine. They give me that extra motivation every day to push harder.” He even teaches his eldest son to box, hoping to pass on the legacy he’s building. “My son is naturally talented,” he says. “He throws combinations, he’s confident—I can see him possibly becoming a world champion one day.”

Faith also plays a key role in how he handles the pressures of professional boxing. “I’ve become very spiritual over the past five years,” he says. “Praying and putting my trust in God gives me strength. With Him, nothing people say can shake me. I focus on the positive and drown out the negative.”

In a sport where criticism is constant and pressure is unavoidable, that inner peace has become one of his greatest weapons. Faith allows him to stay calm under scrutiny, trust his preparation, and remain focused on what truly matters inside and outside the ring.

Despite all his achievements, Benavidez stays grounded. “There are a lot of great fighters out there,” he says. “I have to be ready for each and every one. Being a champion means you have to work twice as hard.” His focus, discipline, and resilience are qualities he hopes to instill in the next generation—not just in boxing, but in life.

Outside the ring, Benavidez is channeling that same drive into business. He has invested in real estate, acquiring land and planning properties he can pass down to his children. He also runs a hibachi food truck, with plans to expand into multiple locations and eventually explore Mexican mariscos in Miami. “I want to build businesses that last,” he says. “Something my kids could take pride in and continue for years to come.”

For Benavidez, the fight is never just about himself—it’s about his fans, his family, and the legacy he wants to leave. “Boxing has given me so much,” he says. “I want to give back, inspire others, and show that with hard work, faith, and focus, it’s possible to achieve success.”

At this point in his career, Benavidez isn’t chasing validation—he’s defining his own standard of success. Every fight, every business move, and every decision is made with intention, guided by the future he envisions for himself and his family.

As Cinco de Mayo approaches, Benavidez is ready to step into the ring with the same intensity, heart, and determination that have defined his career. Outside the ropes, he’s just as relentless, building a life that reflects the discipline, vision, and values he brings to every fight.