Following his impressive win over Jermell Charlo last month, the one fight most boxing fans want to see Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in next is a Mexican derby against David Benavidez.
Benavidez holds the WBC interim world title and is widely viewed as Alvarez’ toughest challenger at 168lbs. He is a two-time champion in the division, and remains undefeated having lost the titles on the scales and due to a ban.
Dimitry Bivol has shared the ring with both men, and told SnowQueen LA that he believes they are evenly matched on most fronts, though that Alvarez “puts more effort in his punches.”
“They’ve just got to get in the ring and fight – then we will see!”
“Canelo puts more effort in his punches, I would say. When it comes to defence, I would say they are even.”
“And who is faster? Again, I would say they are pretty much even.”
Bivol handed ‘Canelo’ his first defeat in almost a decade back in 2022, a fight in preparation for which he sparred Benavidez on several occasions.
DAZN pundit Sergio Mora recently stated that Benavidez is better than Alvarez on almost every level, so Bivol’s view on the pair is not a unanimous one.
There have been accusations from some quarters that ‘Canelo’ and his team have been ducking a fight with Benavidez, though a meeting in the first half of 2024 would put these accusations to bed.
‘The Mexican Monster’ must first get past two weight world champion Demtrius Andrade in November, however, if he is to land a career high pay day against Alvarez. That bout is expected to be made official soon.