David Benavidez has made the decision to stay at 175 pounds in order to pursue a title shot against the winner of the Dmitry Bivol vs. Artur Beterbiev light heavyweight clash. WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman announced that Benavidez’s promoter has confirmed his intentions to remain in the light heavyweight division, where he currently holds the interim title and is mandatory for the Bivol-Beterbiev winner.
Benavidez’s decision to vacate his WBC interim super middleweight title was likely influenced by Canelo Alvarez’s announcement to defend his undisputed 168-pound title against WBA mandatory challenger Edgar Berlanga. Canelo’s choice to face Berlanga instead of Benavidez indicated that there were no plans for a matchup between the two fighters in the near future.
Although Benavidez may have given up on his dream of facing Canelo Alvarez, there are still lucrative opportunities for him in the light heavyweight division. Prominent figure Turki Alalashikh has expressed interest in Benavidez facing the winner of the Bivol-Beterbiev undisputed clash, which could result in a financially rewarding bout for all parties involved.
Concerns About Benavidez’s Performance
Some concerns have been raised about Benavidez’s recent performance against Gvozdyk, where he appeared to lack power and stamina after six rounds. Despite attributing his reduced power to hand injuries, skepticism remains among boxing fans. Additionally, the extra weight Benavidez will carry as a light heavyweight could potentially slow him down and make him more vulnerable in the division.
Future Outlook for Benavidez in Light Heavyweight Division
Looking ahead, Benavidez’s decision to remain in the light heavyweight division opens up new opportunities for him to establish himself as a top contender. By focusing on securing a title shot against the winner of the Bivol-Beterbiev clash, Benavidez can position himself for a potential career-defining matchup with the division’s top fighters.
David Benavidez’s choice to pursue a title shot in the light heavyweight division marks a significant strategic decision in his boxing career. While there are lingering concerns about his recent performance and stamina issues, the potential financial rewards and high-profile matchups available in the 175-pound division offer him a new path for success in the sport. It will be interesting to see how Benavidez’s journey unfolds as he continues to compete in the competitive light heavyweight landscape.