Benavidez Granted Extension to Decide Super Middleweight or Light Heavyweight Title Path
Undefeated boxer David Benavidez has been granted a two-week extension by the World Boxing Council to decide whether he wants to remain the mandatory super middleweight challenger to Saul “Canelo” Alvarez or keep his interim light heavyweight title.
Both options present significant opportunities for the 27-year-old Phoenix fighter. However, the timing of his next bout remains uncertain, as undisputed champion Alvarez contemplates his upcoming fight, potentially against WBA mandatory Edgar Berlanga.
Benavidez (29-0, 24 KOs) has been the No. 1 contender for the super middleweight title for two years and the mandatory challenger for more than eight months. The wait to face Alvarez has been a challenging one for the young boxer.
In the light heavyweight division, WBC/WBO/IBF champion Artur Beterbiev is scheduled to take on WBA titleholder Dmitry Bivol in a matchup of undefeated Russian fighters.
“Benavidez has indicated that he is leaning towards maintaining his status as the 168-pound mandatory challenger to Alvarez. This extension allows him to remain in position to potentially face the popular Mexican champion, as the public has suggested that Alvarez may be avoiding a showdown with Benavidez to set up a more lucrative bout next year.”
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