David Benavidez Declares Super Middleweight Chapter Closed, Eyes Light Heavyweight Future
Terence Crawford’s recent dominance has reshaped the boxing landscape, and for David Benavidez, it’s solidified a decision to remain at light heavyweight. The former super middleweight champion has definitively stated he has no interest in returning to the 168-pound division, even with the titles now held by Crawford following his victory over Saul “Canelo” Alvarez on September 13th.
Did you know?– benavidez twice held the WBC super middleweight title. His first reign began in 2017 after defeating Ronald Gavril. He regained the title in 2019, defeating Anthony Dirrell. Both reigns were cut short by issues outside the ring.
Benavidez (30-0,24 KO) spent years pursuing a fight with Alvarez that ultimately never materialized. With Alvarez sidelined due to elbow surgery,a potential clash with Crawford seemed plausible,but Benavidez quickly dismissed the idea. “I’m done with [super middleweight],” he told Fight Hub TV. “I want to take this opportunity to congratulate Crawford. He put on a hell of a performance. He’s up there on the Mount Rushmore of the greatest fighters of all time. let Crawford do his thing, bro. Ultimately, I have no interest in fighting Crawford. I have no interest in going down to 168.”
pro tip:– Benavidez’s move to light heavyweight wasn’t about fear, but maximizing potential. He wants to give himself the best chance to win and look good.He’s committed to his current path, even if it means missing a fight with Alvarez.
The decision, Benavidez explained, isn’t about fear, but about maximizing his potential. “I’m not saying I’m scared of Crawford or whatever.Crawford’s the man at 168. That’s his weight class. I’m done at 168. They can throw whatever money they want at me.My job is not only to get the money. My job is to give myself the best chance to win and to give myself the best chance of looking good.” He even asserted he wouldn’t return to super middleweight for a fight against Alvarez himself, emphasizing his commitment to his current path.
Benavidez’s history at super middleweight is complex. He twice held the WBC title,first defeating Ronald Gavril in 2017 and again against Anthony dirrell in 2019. Though, both reigns were cut short by circumstances outside the ring. He was stripped of the title in 2018 after testing positive for cocaine through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency, and in 2020, he failed to make weight for a title defense against Roamer Alexis Angulo. Despite successfully defending the interim WBC title twice while awaiting a shot at Alvarez, the opportunity never arrived.
Reader question:– Why didn’t Benavidez fight Alvarez? The fight never materialized due to various factors. Benavidez was stripped of a title and failed to make weight. Alvarez’s team may have avoided the fight. Benavidez is now focused on light heavyweight.
Frustrated by the lack of a fight with Alvarez, Benavidez moved up to light heavyweight, seeking a path to a championship opportunity against the division’s top contenders, including Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev. He quickly established himself, winning the WBC interim light heavyweight title with a victory over Oleksandr Gvozdyk and later claiming the WBA interim title by defeating David Morrell – another fighter who had grown disillusioned with the prospects of facing Alvarez at super middleweight.
following Bivol’s victory over Beterbiev and subsequent title vacation, Benavidez was elevated to full WBC light heavyweight champion. He is now preparing to defend his title against Anthony Yarde on November 22nd in riyadh, Saudi Arabia, signaling his firm
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