1. Benavidez’s Light Heavyweight Debut: Stakes are High
LAS VEGAS — David Benavidez is set to make his light heavyweight debut against Oleksandr Gvozdyk at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The outcome of this bout could open doors to two monumental fights, with one being significantly larger than the other, according to experts.
2. The Dream Fight: Benavidez vs. Canelo Alvarez
Benavidez has long desired a super-fight against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, the undisputed super middleweight champion. To secure this fight, Benavidez is even willing to take a pay cut from his $7 million earnings for the Gvozdyk bout.
3. An Alternative Path: The Light Heavyweight Crown
Alternatively, Saudi advisor Turki Alalshikh envisions Benavidez challenging the winner of the October 12 light heavyweight undisputed championship match between Dmitri Bivol and Artur Beterbiev. This fight, while significant, is seen as less lucrative compared to a showdown with Canelo.
4. Ellerbe’s Take: Benavidez vs. Canelo is a No-Brainer
Leonard Ellerbe, former Mayweather Promotions CEO, emphasized the magnitude of a Benavidez-Canelo fight. “It’s not even close,” Ellerbe told World Boxing News. “A fight between Benavidez and Canelo is a huge, huge fight.”
5. Frank Martin’s Agreement: The Canelo Fight is Bigger
Frank Martin, who is also fighting on the same night as Benavidez, agrees with Ellerbe. He believes the Canelo fight offers more money and stardom, making it the better option for Benavidez.
6. Benavidez’s Focus: Accolades Over Paydays
Despite the potential financial windfall, Benavidez remains focused on his legacy. “I’m not focused on the paydays — I’m just focused on the accolades,” he said. His primary goal is to become the unified world champion, regardless of the opponent.
7. The King’s Ambition: Unified Titles at 168 and 175
Benavidez dreams of holding titles in both the super middleweight and light heavyweight divisions. “My dream is to become the king and defend my titles. If it takes me two, three, four years then so be it,” he stated.
8. Will Canelo Accept?
Benavidez is ready to do whatever it takes to make the fight with Canelo happen. He noted, “I don’t see him asking for $200 million to fight anybody else. Literally, he’s never asked for $100 million, besides me.”
9. A Champion’s Path: Ready for Any Challenge
Benavidez remains undeterred by Canelo’s reluctance. He’s focused on gaining experience and fighting top-tier opponents, saying, “I’m fighting good fighters anyway, and getting experience.”
10. A Bright Future: Determined to Achieve Greatness
Whether it’s Canelo or the Bivol-Beterbiev winner, Benavidez is determined to achieve his goals. “I will have all the titles, and I will be unified champion at 168 and 175,” he asserted, showcasing his unwavering ambition.
