WBC 168lbs champion David Benavidez believes that he has what it takes to defeat pound-for-pound star Canelo Alvarez at super-middleweight.
Following Canelo’s venture up to light-heavyweight to knock out Sergey Kovalev for the WBO title last November, the 30-year-old made plans to fight at 168lbs in his next bout. The Mexican previously won the WBA ‘Regular’ title at super-middleweight with a one-sided demolition of Rocky Fielding.
With Canelo’s planned September 12 return looking less likely by the day, Benavidez has thrown his hat into the ring for a bout later this year. The WBC champion next defends his title on August 15 against Roamer Angulo (26-1, 22 KOs) in Uncasville, Connecticut, but has his sights set on boxing’s biggest star.
“I have a title that Canelo wants – the WBC,” Benavidez (22-0, 19 KOs) told the WBC’s Tuesday Coffee.
“If he gives me the fight, it will be an honour for me. And, if he gives me the opportunity, I will be ready. I think I have what it takes to beat him: youth, strength, speed and I think I can beat him.
“It is a fight that I want and, if he gives me the fight, it is going to be a war for [the] people and it is a fight that people want to see. Boxing wins with that fight.”