David Benavidez is happy to go up against Canelo Alvarez’s return as he plans to fight again on September 14.
Benavidez scored yet another impressive victory at the weekend, winning the WBA and WBO cruiserweight world titles.
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Benavidez wants to return in September on the same weekend as Canelo
Several big things are already being plotted for the devastating Mexican, who is now viewed as one of the sport’s pound-for-pound elite.
Turki Alalshikh intends to make an offer for the Mexican giant to face Oleksandr Usyk in a potential heavyweight switch in 2027.
But Benavidez has since suggested he will first look to make his next bow in September.
And he will once again aim for the weekend of Mexican Independence, when Canelo Alvarez will return in Riyadh.
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He explained: “I think it’s in the best interests for my career to keep trying to fight May 5th and September 14th.
“Canelo’s over there in Saudi Arabia, so he leaves it wide open for me.
“This is a great date, we put on a great show for the people, and I’ve earned it.
“I’ve been professional for 13 years, since I was 16 years old. I started from the bottom and went all the way to the top, calling out the best of the best.
“I did it the hard way. Nothing was ever given to me. So, now that I’m here, I think I deserve to fight on this card on this date.”
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Canelo will return on a plotted ‘Mexico vs the world’ billCredit: GETTY
Benavidez and Canelo would likely attract a similar audience, and are superstars in their own right particularly in their native Mexico and US markets.
But Alvarez’s deal with Turki Alalshikh will see him moving away from Las Vegas, and give Benavidez a big opportunity to fill the Sin City void.
Who could Benavidez fight?
Benavidez will be inundated with options after his latest win.
It is likely it will come at cruiserweight again, despite teasing a move back to 175lbs if the fight with bitter rival Alvarez becomes available.
The two most realistic options will likely be the other champions at 200bs including Dmitry Bivol.
And the sharp-handed talent puts the Russian at the top of his hit-list.
Boxing schedule
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He said: “Bivol’s No. 1 on my hit list.
“Bivol’s a great competitor, a great champion. I just want to test myself every single fight.”