David Benavidez revealed today that he will return to the ring at light heavyweight in November or December.
Benavidez follows in Morel's footsteps
Benavidez (29-0, 24 KOs) will compete at 175 pounds, succeeding David Morrell, who gave up the 168-pound division after losing a title bout to unified super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez.
“November or December,” David Benavidez told 2ToneDaSupastar when asked when he plans to fight next at 175 pounds.
Staying at 168 pounds would have been a dead end for Benavidez and he was smart to realize that in order to limit his losses. Canelo is not going to fight Benavidez and the WBC can't force the fight. Alvarez can't be told what to do by any sanctioning body.
Benavidez has said he would be open to a fight with former light heavyweight world title challenger Anthony Yarde, but it's questionable whether he's serious.
Fans are hoping to see Benavidez fight David Morrell (10-0, 9 KOs), who will take on Radivoe “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic for the vacant WBA World light heavyweight title. Turki Al-Arshik's Riyadh season card will be held this Saturday, August 3rd, at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.
Benavidez's next fight options
- David Morrell
- Anthony Yarde
- Albert Ramirez
Benavidez holds the WBC interim 175-pound title and is the mandatory challenger for the title, facing the winner of the Oct. 12 bout between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.
Depending on how long he has to wait before fighting the winner of that bout, Benandez may be out of action until then, with his next opponent to be decided by His Excellency Turki Ararcik.
Ideal scenario: Benavidez vs. Morel
Ideally, it would be more interesting for fans to see Benavidez fight Morel next and then have the winner face the winner of Artur Beterbiev vs. Bivol.
It's unclear whether Benavidez and his father, Jose Benavidez Sr., would agree to Turki facing Morell next if he wants to. Benavidez has not expressed interest in fighting Morell when he has previously offered the fight, and some believe he doesn't want to take the risk.
Benavidez is the must-win and favored contender, so he won’t want to jeopardize his position by fighting Morel and taking it away from him.
