The legend of David Benavidez continues to grow, remaining undefeated with a recent victorious win against Ronald Ellis for the WBC super-middleweight elimination bout. After the thrilling battle which saw Ronald Ellis going down in the 11th round, Benavidez was overwhelmed with emotion. He was almost in tears as he reflected on his journey, giving an emotional interview that warmed hearts all over the world.
As exciting as the win was, the cherry on the cake came at the close of his remarkable speech. Benavidez made a statement that has set tongues wagging in the boxing world. He called out Saul “Canelo” Alvarez for his next fight, in an electrifying move that is sure to thrill boxing fans.
“I’m simply the best and to be the best you have to challenge the best… So next, I want Canelo,” announced an emotional Benavidez after his win against Ellis. Benavidez, the former WBC champion, has made it no secret in the past that he considers himself to be the only one who can dethrone Canelo, the current kingpin of the 168-pound division.
“I’ve been calling out Canelo for a while but now I’m more certain than ever that I can beat him,” was Benavidez’s firm assertion post-match, sending waves across the boxing scene.
Following his win against Ellis, the Phoenix-born Benavidez has proven himself to be one of the biggest names in the super-middleweight division, deserving every bit of praise showered his way. His extraordinary offensive arsenal, tremendous hand speed, ferocity, and raw punching power are comparable to the very best in the sport.
As it stands, Canelo holds the WBA (Super), WBC, RING, and Lineal titles in the 168-pound division. The Mexican sensation has also set his sights on becoming the first undisputed super-middleweight champion in the history of the four-belt era. Expectedly, unifying the division involves matching with the IBF champion, Caleb Plant, in September.
Despite these facts, the call-out by Benavidez is stirring fervor among fight fans. It’s a tantalizing prospect, considering Benavidez’s impressive record, currently standing at 24 wins, zero losses with 21 knockouts and his shared history with Canelo. The rivalry between the two boxers has been boiling for a while, and a showdown is a steadily growing prospect.
However, despite the anticipatory buzz, it is important to recognize that stylistically, Benavidez and Canelo both approach fights with completely different strategies. Canelo, known for his power-punching and devastating uppercuts, matches up interestingly with Benavidez’s overwhelming volume and speed. Whatever comes of this call-out, a fight between these two titans would undoubtedly be a spectacle fight fans worldwide would relish.
While the chances of Benavidez getting the much-anticipated fight depend largely on what Canelo intends to do next, this call-out puts him yet again under the boxing spotlight. It reveals his hunger for more recognition beyond the WBC super-middleweight titles, longing for an opportunity to declare undisputed dominance in the division.
There’s little doubt that David Benavidez has the heart of a champion. As he left the boxing arena, head held high, teary-eyed and deeply emotional, he gave the sport, fans and future opponents a glimpse of his vulnerability. It was a reminder that beneath the gloves, these athletes are still human, capable of extraordinary feats and artistry, but at their core, they too grapple with emotions just like the rest of us.
Only time will tell whether Benavidez’s aspirational call-out will come to fruition. But if his illustrious career is any indication, it’s clear that whatever his next move, it will be one for the history books.
