Interim WBC Light Heavyweight champion David Benavidez has a fruitful year to look forward to. His upcoming PBC headliner against David Morell at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on February 1, 2025, is slowly catching speed. After the recent shoving contest between the two at their face-off, the event has become more interesting. Not only that. In more good news, the WBC has named the Benavidez-Morell as the final eliminator match for the WBC title fight later next year. So if he wins, the Mexican Monster will get a shot at the undisputed light heavyweight championship next. If that wasn’t enough, he also has a birthday celebration to look forward to once his fight with Morell ends.

Yesterday, David Benavidez celebrated his 28th birthday. He took to his Instagram to share a message of gratitude for the life he has had. He had one other reason to be happy on his birthday, as he was sharing it with a very special person. Who?

Sharing the date with a Legend

David Benavidez took to his Instagram to reveal that he shares his special day with none other than the Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao. His birthday message read, “I’m very happy and blessed to see another year of life! I’m also very honored to share the same birthday as the living legend and my idol @mannypacquiao 🔥🔥🔥.” Along with this celebration, David Benavidez also seemed genuinely happy to the fans and everyone else who share the same special day as he added, “Happy birthday Manny and happy birthday to everyone else’s who shares a birthday on this special date 🫡”

As for why the Phoenix native feels “honored” to be sharing the same birthday date with Manny Pacquiao, could be because of the PacMan’s journey. From humble beginnings to his way into the boxing Hall of Fame, Manny Pacquiao makes an incredibly inspirational figure for David Benavidez. The 46-year-old, born in poverty in the Philippines, overcame numerous obstacles to become one of the most celebrated fighters in history. For Benavidez, who is already carving out his own legacy in the boxing world, Pacquiao’s story offers a powerful reminder of what dedication and perseverance can achieve, regardless of where you start.

Many important members of the combat sports community joined him on the post to wish him a Happy Birthday.

Wishes pour in for David Benavidez

Now as the special day is concerned, the birthday celebration has already kicked off in the comments section. David Benavidez’s wife Karina Silva commented, “Happy Birthday baby, I love you with all my heart. Mi amoreeee mas bello ❤️❤️❤️”

Mike Perry, the former UFC and BKFC contender and the owner of the new Dirty Boxing Championship congratulated him too, saying, “Happy Birthday.” Another popular combat sports personality to join in was the former UFC dual champion, Henry Cejudo. Reacting to the post, he commented, “Happy Birthday bro.”

Emiliano Vargas, son of the former American professional boxer Fernando Vargas, also sent his greetings. His comment read, “HBD Champ.” The good wishes continued as the super middleweight title contender Diego Pacheco also sent his birthday wishes saying, “Happy birthday bro.”

The 28-year-old has a lot happening in his life right now. Recently, the boxing star shared the joyous news with his fans about his newborn child, adding a personal milestone to his busy schedule. Looking ahead, Benavidez is preparing for a highly anticipated fight against David Morrell that promises to be a defining moment in his career. With so much on his plate, Benavidez is truly in the spotlight.

What do you think? Does sharing a birthday with Pacquiao inspire him to push his limits even further? What legacy would you like to see David Benavidez leave behind?