Unbeaten boxer David Benavidez received an extension of two weeks from the World Boxing Council (WBC) to make a decision. He must choose between staying as the mandatory challenger for Saul "Canelo" Alvarez in the super middleweight division or keeping his interim light heavyweight title. This extension gives the 27-year-old fighter from Phoenix more time to plan his next move, as both titles set him up for important future fights.
Benavidez has been patiently waiting for his shot at Alvarez. Despite holding the top contender spot for two years and being the mandatory challenger for over eight months, the timing of his upcoming fight remains uncertain. Alvarez, who holds all major titles in the division, is contemplating his next opponent and seems inclined towards facing WBA mandatory Edgar Berlanga.
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If Benavidez chooses to stay in the super middleweight category, he could secure a potential match-up against Alvarez in a highly anticipated and financially rewarding showdown next year. While delays have been frustrating for Benavidez, they might ultimately raise both the financial incentives and public interest surrounding a future clash with Alvarez.
In the light heavyweight division, things get quite intricate as Artur Beterbiev, holding the WBC/WBO/IBF titles, is set to face off against Dmitry Bivol, the WBA champion, in a highly anticipated battle of unbeaten Russian fighters. By opting to maintain his position as Canelo Alvarez's mandatory challenger at super middleweight, Benavidez ensures he stays in the limelight and puts pressure on Alvarez to make their fight happen, amid claims that Alvarez has been dodging it.
Image Credit: PBC