David Benavidez Unveils His Dream Fight Card, But Will Canelo Be Part of It?
For a long time, David Benavidez was considered the toughest opponent for Canelo Alvarez. The two were once the top contenders in the super middleweight division, but Benavidez's path to facing Canelo has been fraught with challenges. Despite his eagerness to take on the Mexican boxing icon, Benavidez has never gotten his wish.
After moving up to the 175 lbs division and capturing the WBC light heavyweight title, Benavidez is now gearing up for a defense against Anthony Yarde on November 22. Meanwhile, Canelo's future remains uncertain, having lost the undisputed super middleweight title to Terence Crawford. While Benavidez's ascent to light heavyweight has somewhat diminished the likelihood of a Canelo showdown, the boxer has recently shared his thoughts on a potential bout with Canelo, and his stance might surprise many.
In an interview with MARCA, Benavidez expressed his belief that a fight between him and Canelo would still be a massive event. He added that Canelo should consider facing him if he aims to regain the respect of fans. Benavidez also emphasized the financial benefits of the fight for Canelo, suggesting that it could be a lucrative opportunity.
'I don't know what he's looking for, but if he wants money and people's respect, he should face me,' Benavidez stated. 'I'm not saying he's afraid of me, but I'm ready, and if we face each other, I will beat him.'
Despite the potential for a lucrative and highly anticipated fight, Benavidez's dream fight card includes three other names: Canelo, Dmitry Beterbiev, and Artur Bivol. With Benavidez now competing at light heavyweight, a clash against Bivol or Beterbiev is a distinct possibility. However, the Canelo fight remains a tantalizing prospect, especially given Canelo's remaining commitments to Riyadh Season and Turki Alalshikh's willingness to pay extraordinary sums for blockbuster matches.
In addition to his thoughts on Canelo, Benavidez also expressed his opinion on the pound-for-pound rankings. He believes that Terence Crawford, who dethroned Canelo and became the first male boxer to win the undisputed title in three different weight classes, is the current pound-for-pound best. Benavidez's admiration for Crawford is evident in his words:
'He deserves it, he has beaten Canelo Alvarez and has dominated several weight classes.'
Benavidez also named Oleksandr Usyk, Naoya Inoue, and Gervonta 'Tank' Davis as his top picks for the current best boxers in the world, showcasing his keen eye for talent in the boxing realm.
As the boxing world continues to evolve, Benavidez's insights and predictions offer a fascinating glimpse into the future of the sport, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter in his illustrious career.
