David Benavidez is at a critical juncture in his career, with two potential world championship opportunities looming before him. The choice to pursue a title at either 168 or 175 pounds could lead him down different paths.
Opting for the lighter weight class of 168 pounds could potentially lead to a highly anticipated showdown with Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, the current Super Middleweight champion. However, staying in the light heavyweight division would mean facing Dmitry Bivol as a potential obstacle on his path to glory.
Recently, Benavidez expressed his frustration as he watched Canelo Alvarez celebrate a victory and challenge him to step up and face him as the mandatory challenger for the WBC title. Following Alvarez’s declaration of being the best fighter in the world, Benavidez maintained that he couldn’t claim that title without confronting him in the ring.
After securing a victory over Oleksandr Gvozdyk, Benavidez now holds the interim WBC light heavyweight title, placing him in the same category as Dmitry Bivol, a formidable opponent who recently bested Alvarez. Despite the allure of a potential clash with Canelo, Benavidez remains focused on his current weight class and the challenges it presents.
While the prospect of a matchup with Canelo Alvarez remains enticing, Benavidez is also intrigued by the possibility of a showdown with Dmitry Bivol, who holds the IBO and WBA titles in the light heavyweight division. With a potential unification bout between Bivol and Artur Beterbiev on the horizon, Benavidez could find himself in a position to challenge the victor for supremacy in the weight class if he decides to stay at 175 pounds. Ultimately, it will be up to Benavidez to weigh his options and make a strategic decision that will shape his future as one of boxing’s top contenders.
