David Benavidez is set on solidifying his position as Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez‘s mandatory challenger for the WBC super middleweight title. His father and trainer, Jose Benavidez Sr., confirmed that they are ready to proceed with an appeal to ensure this status.
Benavidez, 27, recently defeated former light heavyweight champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk by unanimous decision at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. This victory earned him the WBC interim lightweight title, triggering a 10-day window to declare whether he will retain this title and aim to fight the winner of the October 12 bout between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol or remain Alvarez’s mandatory challenger.
David Benavidez looks disgusted while Peso Pluma celebrates Canelo Alvarez win
“It’s all been discussed and we’re ready to move forward,” Benavidez Sr. stated. Recent medical evaluations have shown that Benavidez’s right arm and left hand injuries require a two-week rest period, after which he can safely return to training.
“If everything goes as planned, we will have eight weeks to prepare for Canelo. We can be ready by September,” Benavidez’s promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, informed BoxingScene. This timing coincides with Alvarez’s preference for fighting on the Mexican Independence Day weekend, which this year is September 14.
Lewkowicz has already prepared the appeal letter for Benavidez to stay as the super middleweight mandatory. Benavidez’s father confirmed his son’s readiness to sign the letter. Benavidez has been the WBC’s top contender for Alvarez for over two years and the mandatory challenger since 2023.
Canelo’s demands to fight Benavidez
Alvarez, approaching his 34th birthday, has postponed facing Benavidez, citing a requirement of $150 million to $200 million in purse money to agree to the fight. Alvarez also faces mandatory challengers from IBF contender William Scull and WBA’s Edgar Berlanga. As the first undisputed champion at 168 pounds in the four-belt era, Alvarez has defended his titles four times-a record achievement.
However, Benavidez, with an undefeated record of 29-0 and 24 KOs, is widely considered the most deserving contender. He previously held the WBC belt and recently triumphed over former middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade and Gvozdyk, despite sustaining injuries.
Lewkowicz advocates for Benavidez’s decision to remain Alvarez’s mandatory, noting that a potential Beterbiev-Bivol rematch could delay Benavidez‘s title shot further. The appeal letter to the WBC could be submitted as early as Tuesday.
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman has expressed pride in having both Alvarez and Benavidez as champions, emphasizing the importance of determining the best course of action to honor both fighters.
Alvarez, who remains a powerful figure in the sport, could choose to face other mandatory challengers or pursue a high-profile bout with two-division undisputed champion Terence Crawford. Nonetheless, Lewkowicz insists that the public’s demand for an Alvarez-Benavidez fight necessitates a decision from Alvarez and the WBC.
Sulaiman assured that upon receiving the appeal from Benavidez‘s camp, a fair decision will be made. Benavidez Sr. confirmed that if Canelo agrees to a September fight, they will be prepared. Alternatively, if the WBC revokes the belt, they will fight the mandatory challenger.
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