David Benavidez has requested the World Boxing Council for 2 extra weeks to make an official choice on preventing Canelo Alvarez.
‘The Mexican Monster’ had accepted a suggestion to marketing campaign at light-heavyweight and contest the interim title in opposition to Oleksandr Gvozdyk earlier this month. In a tricky battle with the Ukrainian puncher, Benavidez got here out on high. Nevertheless, he has been contemplating transferring again to 168 within the aftermath.
Because of his place because the primary contender to Canelo, Benavidez obtained provided the prospect to maneuver up and be instantly positioned for a shot on the winner of Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol. However equally, Benavidez can nonetheless maintain on to his tremendous middleweight stipulation.
As he contemplated his subsequent transfer, the WBC granted Benavidez extra time to determine.
“The WBC Board of Governors has permitted the extension of two weeks requested by David Benavidez about his choice to verify wherein weight class he’ll determine to proceed his boxing profession. David Benavidez at present holds each the interim Tremendous Middleweight and interim Gentle Heavyweight championships,” stated a WBC affirmation.
Canelo has proven little interest in battling the person dubbed probably the most formidable problem for him up to now. The previous pound-for-pound king is as a substitute reportedly eyeing a struggle in opposition to Edgar Berlanga in September.
As a result of UFC’s transfer to stage a confirmed ‘Noche’ occasion on September 14, Canelo vs Berlanga would transfer to Saudi Arabia as a part of a Riyadh Season card. Riyadh Season kicks off in October, presumably delaying the undisputed champion’s return.
Nevertheless, nothing is about in stone for Canelo but, and there’s little question that Benavidez could be the followers’ number-one selection. Whether or not Turki Alalshikh can persuade Al Haymon and Canelo to face Benavidez beneath its jurisdiction stays to be seen.
There’s additionally a Terence Crawford struggle additional down the road for Canelo, which can also be more likely to be at an Alalshikh-led occasion.
Learn all articles and unique interviews by Phil Jay. Study extra in regards to the creator, skilled boxing author, and World Boxing Information Editor since 2010. Comply with on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
