Hearn Urges Canelo To Fight Benavidez For The Fans
Eddie Hearn has urged Canelo Alvarez to take on David Benavidez for the sake of boxing fans.
The Mexicans have long been linked with a fight, but fans are no closer to seeing it happen. Canelo’s last victory was over Jermell Charlo, a fighter who moved up two weight classes from 154. The fight was not competitive, as Alvarez dominated to secure a unanimous decision win.
Although Canelo retained his undisputed title, it did nothing to show boxing fans where his current form was. As for Benavidez, he has beaten two former world champions in the form of Caleb Plant and Demetrius Andrade in his last two fights. That kept his position as the WBC interim champion at 168, resulting in calls for the Canelo fight.
A Cinco de Mayo weekend and Mexican Independence Day date has been suggested. Since Benavidez has been mandatory for around two years, boxing fans are understandably frustrated at not seeing the fight get made. If the bout does not happen, even after it is ordered by the WBC, the belts would be vacated. Now Hearn has called for Canelo to deliver that fight for the fans of the sport.
Canelo-Benavidez
“Benavidez is the fight for the sport, but I think that’s more likely to happen in the second fight [September] in 2024. I think the Charlo fight is dead, and the second fight with the brother [Jermall fighting Canelo] is also dead. [Jaime] Munguia, if he beats [John] Ryder [on January 27th], which I don’t think is going to happen. That could be a fight that he [Canelo] might be interested in. I don’t know. He’s been through a lot of guys, but Benavidez is the fight that fight fans want,” Hearn said
If the fight does not happen with Canelo, Benavidez has spoken about moving up to 175 pounds in the future. The Mexican is already big for 168, making the transition much easier. He is also heavy-handed after having stopped 24 opponents in his 28 wins.
Benavidez’s Other Options
The natural targets for Benavidez would be Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. Those two fighters could face each other, provided they come through their next fights. Bivol takes on Lyndon Arthur, while Beterbeiv faces Callum Smith. That gives Benavidez the chance to fight for undisputed at 175. Both Bivol and Beterbiev are not against the idea of the Mexican moving up.
“He’s a good fighter. I respect him. He could fight in 175 and make problems for fighters of course,” Bivol said
“He can move up, no problem. With me? Of course, if he wants this fight, no problem. Now, I’m only thinking about Callum Smith, but now you ask me about some different fighter. I respect the fighters, but I don’t take them seriously like they’re my next opponent. That’s why I’m smiling,” Beterbiev,” stated
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