David Benavidez has made the decision to remain at the light heavyweight division in order to pursue a title shot against the winner of the Dmitry Bivol vs. Artur Beterbiev clash. WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed this decision, noting that Benavidez’s promoter has informed him that he will be staying in the 175-lb weight class. This comes after Benavidez’s victory over Oleksandr Usyk last month to capture the interim title and become the mandatory challenger for the Bivol-Beterbiev winner.
As a result of his decision to stay at light heavyweight, Benavidez has vacated his WBC interim super middleweight title. This move was likely influenced by the news of Canelo Alvarez finalizing a deal to defend his undisputed 168-lb title against Edgar Berlanga in September. Canelo’s choice to face Berlanga instead of Benavidez made it clear that there were no immediate plans for a matchup between the two fighters.
Although Benavidez may have given up on his dream of facing Canelo, there are still financial opportunities for him in the light heavyweight division. Prominent figures like His Excellency Turki Alalashikh have expressed interest in Benavidez fighting the winner of the Bivol-Beterbiev undisputed clash. This would be a lucrative matchup for Benavidez and would elevate his status in the division.
Despite his recent successes, there are concerns about Benavidez’s performance in his last fight against Gvozdyk. He appeared to lack power and faded after six rounds, attributing his struggles to hand injuries. However, some boxing fans remain skeptical about this explanation, as Benavidez’s punches did not display significant impact. Additionally, his stamina issues raise questions about his ability to compete effectively in the light heavyweight division.
Looking ahead, Benavidez’s decision to pursue a title shot at light heavyweight presents new challenges and opportunities for his career. By focusing on securing a matchup with the Bivol-Beterbiev winner, he has the chance to establish himself as a major player in the 175-lb division. With the potential for high-profile fights and financial rewards, Benavidez’s future in the sport looks promising despite the obstacles he may face along the way.