For David Benavidez, it’s Canelo or bust
Once upon a time, not long ago, undisputed super-middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez, complained about Demetrius Andrade, Jermall Charlo and David Benavidez were all waiting around for that sweet, sweet Canelo payday. He intended to give a shot at his title to someone more active, deserving or not. Now he’s fighting John Ryder, ranked third by Ring Magazine. But after his win over Caleb Plant, it may now be time for the hard hitting David Benavidez to call, “ups” on a crack at Canelo.
David Benavidez: Time for the big show
While David Benavidez sits at 27-0 with 23 knockouts, he’s not fought many boxers of substance in the grand scheme of things. His marquee wins before Caleb Plant was against Anthony Dirrell and David Lemieux. While he did rise to the occasion in both of those bouts, it was not the type of win that made you think, “Oh, he deserves a shot at the undisputed champ.”
But after he took Plant to the wood shed last weekend, it’s time. Plant is a former champion, one Canelo beat in round 11. Benavidez may not have finished Caleb Plant but his scorecard was arguably more dominant than Canelo’s win.
It was a statement victory from David Benavidez. While Canelo may have his eyes on Dmitrii Bivol for a rematch to his second loss, it may be time to give Benavidez a shot.
Canelo received a shot at the king when he fought Floyd Mayweather in 2013. That win has only made Mayweather’s resume that much better. By taking in the future of the sport, fighters like David Benavidez, Canelo can give himself that much more in the legacy department.
And it’s hard to argue against the fight. Canelo is the king. Benavidez is the usurper. He’s earned his shot. He’s the undefeated WBC Interim Super Middleweight World Champion. He has a claim to Canelo’s throne. Canelo is not undisputed any longer. And now with a win over Caleb Plant, a former champion in the division, it’s Canelo or bust for David Benavidez.
