David Benavidez has temporarily given up chasing a fight against super-middleweight unified champion Saul ‘Canelo‘ Alvarez.
‘The Mexican Monster’ was WBC mandatory for Canelo but the champion has shown little interest in making the fight happen, putting a price tag of $200m on it causing some fans and even Riyadh Season’s Turki Alalshikh to accuse him of being scared to face the former champion.
Benavidez grew tired of waiting for his shot and moved up to light-heavyweight, making his debut against Oleksandr Gvozdyk back in June. Although the 27-year-old got the victory he was taken the distance, raising questions as to whether his power translates up at the higher weight class.
Speaking to Fight Hub TV about Benavidez’ performance, Canelo said he ‘did nothing’ and once again reiterated his demands to make the fight happen.
“It’s his weight class, 175 and he do nothing there, really. He’s not the same at his weight class of 175.
Like I say if the money is right, I always fought with everyone you asked for, Golovkin, everybody you mention to me but now it’s time to ask. If they want me to fight them they need to pay me good.”
Benavidez is the current WBC interim champion at 175 and first in line to face the winner of the undisputed clash between Artur Beterbiev and Dmity Bivol. When asked if the man he suffered his only second career defeat to in 2022 would beat Benavidez if the two were to meet, Canelo made it clear he expects Bivol to come out victorious.
“We see Benavidez in his last fight, yes [Bivol wins].
Canelo is back in action on September 14 when he defends his three 168lbs belts against Edgar Berlanga.
