Quintessential rising star in the boxing world, David Benavidez, has made it clear. He doesn’t want a Crawford vs Canelo fight; instead, he is willing to take on Dmitry Bivol at 175 pounds. This announcement from the two-time former World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Middleweight Champion unveils a different dimension to future boxing match-ups and significantly stimulates the boxing community.
The statement comes amid speculations about a potential super fight between Terence “Bud” Crawford, the WBO welterweight champion, and Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, the WBC, WBO, and WBA super-middleweight champion. The boxing fan-base is divided, with some eagerly awaiting the face-off, while others, like Benavidez, have different opinions.
Benavidez expressed his preference in no uncertain terms, stating plainly, “I don’t want to see Crawford vs. Canelo.” The 24-year-old fighter holds a firm belief that the weight difference between Crawford and Canelo could make the match a mismatch, taking away the thrill and excitement usually associated with a mega-event of such caliber.
Instead, he has persistently vocalized his desire to move up the ladder and compete at 175 pounds, choosing Dmitry Bivol, betted as one of the best light heavyweights in the world, for his next target. This move, although ambitious, is not uncharacteristic for the Phoenix-born fighter.
Benavidez’s professional career unfolded under considerable scrutiny from the boxing universe, but the fighter’s performances have earned him respect and recognition. His power and dexterity inside the ring give a glimmer of hope, showing he can indeed be a credible threat to Bivol, carrying the promise of a high-octane showdown.
Dmitry Bivol has a flawless record of 17 wins in 17 fights, with 11 of them by knockout. His big-punching style and technical skills have kept him undefeated since his professional debut in 2014. A fight with Benavidez could become a classic duel of power, technique, and resilience and ensure an adrenaline-filled spectacle for fans.
To make this matchmaking feasible, Benavidez also needs to stand up and win his next fight against Kyrone Davis scheduled for November 2021. A victory would reiterate his winning streak of 24-0 and solidify his eligibility for a showdown with Bivol.
According to Benavidez, he is in impeccable shape and ready to take on any challenge the boxing world throws at him. He is buzzing with confidence before his fight against Davis and has no qualms about moving up in weight. “I feel very confident in myself. After this fight, I want to move up to 175, and I want Bivol,” Benavidez said.
The boxing world is always sparked by such exciting narratives that come straight from the fighters. Right now, it’s David Benavidez, the tough Phoenix guy who is ready to scale the light heavyweight ladder and wants no less than Dmitry Bivol.
Only time will reveal if we are indeed headed for this high-stake boxing spectacle. For now, the anticipation rolls on, and we can only keep our eyes on the next few moves in the boxing world. If a Benavidez-Bivol bout does materialize, it will assuredly redraw the landscape of the competitive 175-pound division.
Will it be Benavidez’s power and fearlessness or Bivol’s impeccable ringcraft and technical precision that proves victorious? This burning question is a thrilling prospect that makes the waiting even more challenging.
