David Benavidez has shared an update on whether he would still be interested in a showdown with Mexican icon Canelo Alvarez.
The 28-year-old from Phoenix, Arizona was declared the new WBC light-heavyweight champion back in April after former title holder Dmitry Bivol opted to vacate the belt to pursue a trilogy clash with Artur Beterbiev.
Benavidez, who is a two-time WBC super-middleweight champion, decided to make the move up to 175lbs last year after he failed to secure a clash with two-time undisputed super-middleweight champion Canelo.
The Mexican icon suffered the third defeat of his professional career last month when he was beaten by Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford in Las Vegas, surrendering his undisputed championship at 168lbs in the process.
Speaking on the Inside The Ring Show, Benavidez admitted that whilst he doesn’t intend to move back down to 168lbs for a potential clash with Canelo, he welcomes the Mexican great to make the move up to light-heavyweight after he ‘picks up the titles’.
“I feel like everything that’s happening in my career, I’m in a great position in every single way. I wasn’t going to go down to 168 but now if Canelo wants to come up then come, I got the WBC world title at 175.
“After I beat Bivol I’m going to have all the belts so after that happens, now I’m the one that has the power, now I’m the one. Canelo says he doesn’t fight for greatness, he fights for titles. Well let me go pick up all the titles and let’s come back to the table and talk.”
‘The Mexican Monster’ is set to make the first defence of his WBC world title next month as he gears up to face Britain’s Anthony Yarde at the ANB Arena in Riyadh on Saturday November 22.
