David Benavidez is intent on backing Saul ‘Canelo’ Álvarez into a corner to fight him.
‘The Mexican Monster’ demolished previously undefeated Demetrius Andrade this month to keep his mandatory status for Canelo, and fans immediately called for the fight to finally happen.
Speaking to Pro Box TV, Benavidez said his countryman and rival was holding all four super-middleweight belts ‘hostage.’
“It would be great. If it happens, if it doesn’t happen, I’m gonna keep doing what I’m doing … Boxing needs this fight. If he’s gonna be around this division – I know people say he’s done enough he doesn’t have to fight – well why does he have all the belts? He should just do celebrity boxing matches like everybody else. Why is he holding the belts hostage and not giving the number one contenders the opportunity that they deserve?”
When put to Benavidez that Canelo may fight Jaime Munguia in May and then Jermall Charlo in September, Benavidez said he could try to get there first with the American.
Canelo most recently beat Jermall’s twin brother, Jermall, in September, and the potential match-up has since garnered some hype.
“Maybe the way we can avoid it if we make a fight with Charlo. That’s another option on its own. Charlo said he wants that and I think that would be a good experience for me to take into the Canelo fight, so I’m gonna probably talk to Al Haymon and see if we can get that Charlo fight … I don’t think Canelo’s gonna fight me next. Maybe in September. So if we get Charlo in there in the beginning of next year and Canelo for September that would be a great move.”
Charlo is coming off the back of a long lay off ended by beating Benavidez’ brother, Jose Jr, over the distance on the same card as the Andrade fight.
He’s currently WBC Middleweight Champion, so would need to vacate that title for the move up should there be an offer.