David Benavidez, known as one of boxing’s most intimidating champions, is on the brink of securing the opportunity of a lifetime.
The former two-time WBC super middleweight champion, who never lost his title inside the ring, is now targeting the undisputed light heavyweight championship. A victory over David Morrell on February 1 could make him the top contender, bringing him closer to fulfilling his dream of facing Canelo Alvarez.
Benavidez has been chasing a fight with Canelo for over two years. However, Canelo turned him down, stating that he didn’t like the way Benavidez approached the situation.
To make matters more complicated, Canelo demanded a massive $150 million payday to even consider the fight. Frustrated, Benavidez made the bold decision to move up to the light heavyweight division. Despite the obstacles, Benavidez remains determined, now with a new strategy to bring Canelo to the ring.
Benavidez’s plan to secure a fight with Canelo
Appearing on Nightcap with Shannon Sharpe and Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, Benavidez revealed the key to forcing Canelo into accepting the fight.
“The only way I see this fight happening is me winning all the belts at light heavyweight,” Benavidez said.
He believes that once he becomes the undisputed light heavyweight champion, he will have the leverage to challenge Canelo for a catchweight fight where both the 168-pound and 175-pound titles would be on the line.
Currently, Benavidez holds the interim WBC light heavyweight title. If he defeats Morrell, he would likely become the top contender to face either Artur Beterbiev or Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed light heavyweight championship. A victory in that bout could propel him toward the fight he’s dreamed of for years.
“This would make the fight a hundred times bigger,” Benavidez said of the potential catchweight bout with Canelo.
While their rivalry has been marked by tension, both fighters have repeatedly expressed a desire to give the fans the best possible matchups, which suggests Benavidez’s plan could ultimately draw Canelo into the ring.
As Benavidez works his way toward a potential showdown with Canelo, the rivalry between the two continues to heat up. If Benavidez wins all the belts at light heavyweight, it could set up one of the biggest matches in boxing history. Fans are hoping for a bout that will not only be a significant moment in both fighters’ careers but also one of the most exciting events in the sport’s history.
Will this scenario come to fruition? The boxing world is eagerly watching, as Benavidez’s bold prediction might just come true, making a Canelo-Benavidez fight for both undisputed titles one of the most anticipated matchups of the year.