David Benavidez finds himself at a crossroads in his boxing career as the World Boxing Council has given him a two-week extension to decide on his mandatory spots at 168 and 175. While Benavidez may have preferred to hold both mandatory spots simultaneously for his own benefit, the WBC has made it clear that he must choose between the two. This decision will significantly impact his future opportunities in the boxing world.
If Benavidez decides to retain his WBC super middleweight mandatory position, it would mean giving up his light heavyweight mandatory spot. This would potentially lead to a future showdown with the likes of undisputed champion Canelo Alvarez. On the other hand, choosing to hold onto the WBC light heavyweight position could pave the way for a title shot against the winner of the Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol fight. These decisions will shape Benavidez’s career trajectory moving forward.
Recent performances by Benavidez have raised questions about his ability to compete at the elite level, especially in the light heavyweight division. His match against Oleksandr Gvozdyk highlighted his shortcomings in terms of technical skills and endurance. It has become apparent that Benavidez’s power does not translate effectively from 168 to 175, and his size advantage does not guarantee success against top-tier opponents like Bivol and Beterbiev.
Benavidez’s reliance on his size and power has been exposed in recent bouts, showcasing a lack of technical prowess in his boxing repertoire. His struggles against notable opponents like Caleb Plant have underscored this issue, with Canelo’s dominant victory over Plant serving as a stark comparison. Benavidez’s stint at 175 has further emphasized his technical deficiencies and stamina limitations, raising doubts about his ability to thrive in the division.
The narrative surrounding Benavidez as a “Mexican Monster” who relies on his physical advantages rather than technical skill has gained traction in the boxing community. His struggles at 175 have only added fuel to this perception, with critics labeling him as a weight bully who struggles to succeed without his size advantage. Benavidez’s boxing career is at a critical juncture, where he must address these perceptions and adapt his approach to remain competitive in the sport.
David Benavidez faces significant challenges and decisions in his boxing career, with implications for his future success in the sport. Addressing his technical deficiencies, adapting to higher weight classes, and overcoming the perception of being a weight bully will be crucial for Benavidez to cement his legacy in the boxing world.