By Sean Jones: David Benavidez says he’ll be willing to battle Dmitry Bivol for the 168-lb titles if he unseats undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez in their rematch next year.
There’s a possibility that Bivol (21-0, 11 KOs) could move down to 168 to challenge Canelo (58-2-2, 39 KOs) for his four straps in that weight class, according to promoter Eddie Hearn.
If Bivol beats Canelo and Benavidez (26-0, 23 KOs) defeats Caleb ‘Sweethands’ Plant in their WBC 168-lb title eliminator in March, it could result in a Bivol-Benavidez title fight next year.
Bivol vs. Benavidez would arguably be a better fight than either guy against the smallish Canelo.
“All I know is once I beat Caleb Plant, I’m mandatory for the [super middleweight ] belts,” said David Benavidez to Fighthype. “It don’t matter to me if I face Canelo or Bivol.
“Honestly, I don’t know because when I sparred Bivol, he didn’t really give me too many issues, and I sparred him a lot,” said Benavidez when asked who would give him more problems between Canelo and Bivol. “I never sparred Canelo, so I can’t compare because I don’t know the styles firsthand.
“I know Canelo’s style from TV, but it’s different being in there. It would be two good fights. I don’t know what would be better.
“If they give me those fights, I would definitely take those fights,” said Benavidez when asked if he’d be interested in fighting Jermall Charlo and David Morrell.
“The way my mind is now, we can get this fight, and it’ll already be a massive fight with Canelo after I beat Caleb Plant. I imagine it would be even more massive if I take on Charlo. We could have a big press run, and then we have a hell of a fight. I beat Charlo.
“I just feel my stock goes up like that. Those are two pay-per-view fights right there. Me and Caleb Plant and me and Charlo and then Canelo after. It definitely makes more sense to me, and I’m 100% confident in myself.
“I’m not scared of nobody, and I know I can beat everybody. I’m willing to do it. It don’t matter to me. Obviously, there’s a lot risk because this is boxing, but there’s a lot of reward. The reward speaks for itself.
“I have nothing to lose. That’s why I’m not scared. People say, ‘You can lose; you’re undefeated,’ but I believe in myself. Like I said, the reward is much greater than the risk.
“It doesn’t matter to me. I’m right here to solidify myself, and let everyone know I’m the best. If this is what comes with it, I know what I signed up for,” said Benavidez.