Canelo Alvarez has shared his thoughts on a potential showdown between Dmitry Bivol and David Benavidez.
Former undisputed light-heavyweight champion Bivol and newly-crowned WBC light-heavyweight champion Benavidez have been linked with a bout in recent months, although this could be put on hold until the next year.
Bivol defeated Artur Beterbiev in Riyadh on February 22 to achieve his career-long dream of winning the undisputed championship at 175lbs.
A trilogy showdown between the Russian greats looks set to take place during the back end of 2025, although a third encounter will be contested for the unified WBA, WBO and IBF light-heavyweight titles after Bivol made the decision to vacate the WBC crown last month.
Benavidez was recently declared as the new WBC king at 175lbs, having held the Interim title since he defeated Oleksandr Gvozdyk last year.
‘The Monster’ made the move up to light-heavyweight when he failed to secure a showdown with Canelo after being mandatory challenger to the Mexican stars WBC super-middleweight title.
Canelo also has a history with Bivol, after the 34-year-old Russian became just the second fighter to defeat him when they clashed for the WBA light-heavyweight title back in 2022.
In a media scrum, Canelo was asked if he believes his former opponent would be victorious in a showdown with Benavidez.
“[If] we see Benavidez [from] the last fight, yes.”
The Mexican icon was referring to Benavidez’s performance against Gvozdyk, which took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas last June. ‘The Monster’ has returned to the ring since when, defeating the previously unbeaten David Morrell via unanimous decision on February 1.
