David Benavidez is riding high following his unanimous decision victory over the slick Caleb Plant in March.
The man known affectionately as ‘The Mexican Monster’ remains undefeated in 27 contests, and has dispatched 23 of those opponents early.
With high praise from the likes of Mike Tyson, the 26-year-old super middleweight is considered by many one of the best in the world. He’s a two-time world champion already in the division, a positive test for cocaine and missing weight the reasons behind his titles losses rather than defeats in the ring.
Benavidez has a clear goal of doing it for a third time, and he has his eyes on Saul ‘Canelo’ Álvarez, who currently holds all the belts in the division.
After recovering from hand surgery, Canelo has a defence against Britain’s John Ryder on May 6 in Mexico – his first fight there since 2011.
Despite many in the sport labelling it a tune-up, Benavidez didn’t criticise when Fight Hub TV caught up with him at the recent Gervonta Davis versus Ryan Garcia fight, but was clear he wanted the champion next.
“It’s gonna be a good fight, man, I’m not gonna criticise. Yeah definitely [I want Canelo next.]”
Many fans and analysts have long been of the opinion that Benavidez poses the biggest threat to Canelo’s undisputed throne.
Although with the champion due out in May for said Ryder fight and eyeing up a light heavyweight rematch with Dmitry Bivol in September, Benavidez is likely going to have to look elsewhere for now.
He was asked about David Morrell, who was on the undercard of Davis-Garcia. The Cuban southpaw blasted out Yamaguchi Falcao in the first round, leading Benavidez to say he was a great fighter and confirm that he’s also on the list.
“Listen, I’ve been wanting to fight [David Morrell.] I’ve been wanting to fight him.”
Morrell is flying through his campaign, with eight knockouts from nine wins and plenty of backing from fans and pundits.
There’s no doubt that the 167lb division is looking up, and will be even more so if the four-belt champion decides to stick around rather than making a more permanent move to 175lb.
Whatever he does, David Benavidez will be fighting for world titles again soon – there’s little doubt there.