Artur Beterbiev Refuses to Give His Final Verdict on Potential David Benavidez Bout

David Benavidez is set to fight Oleksandr Gvozdyk in June. Why is he going up in weight classes? Because Canelo Alvarez chose to face Jaime Munguia on Cinco De Mayo weekend instead. In the same weight class, Artur Beterbiev remains tight-lipped. Just after announcing his high-profile bout with Dmitry Bivol, he was quizzed about facing Benavidez next. What did he say?

He isn’t too keen on it for now. But what does this mean for Benavidez, eyeing the winner of Beterbiev vs. Bivol? Is Beterbiev simply focusing on the current challenge, or is he strategically dodging future commitments?

Benavidez calls his shot, but Artur Beterbiev has other plans

On June 1st, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia will host a monumental clash in the boxing world. Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol are set to fight for the undisputed light heavyweight championship. This enthusiastically expected matchup will decide the incomparable pioneer of the light heavyweight division. Within the middle of planning for this career-defining battle, Beterbiev was gone up against with questions around his future plans amid an meet with Fight Hub TV.

The interviewer asked, “David Benavidez has said that he’s coming up to your weight division to hunt down the winner of this fight, since he can’t get a fight with Canelo. What are your thoughts on a fight with David Benavidez down the line?” His response was both measured and elusive.

“After this fight we will see. Ask me after the fight,” Beterbiev stated. This brief exchange underscored his focus on the immediate challenge posed by Bivol, while also keeping the door open for Benavidez who plans to face the winner. So, in the same interview Artur Beterbiev also touched upon a potential bout with none other than ‘Cinnamon’ Canelo Alvarez.

Canelo Wants to fight? Better earn it then

In the midst of all the hype surrounding his upcoming fight on June 1st, Artur Beterbiev tossed out a tantalizing tidbit about a potential rematch with Canelo Alvarez. During a post-press conference chat, someone popped the question: would he be up for a bout with Canelo?

Beterbiev’s answer was straightforward yet pointed. “I am not really interested in a fight with Canelo because when he gets another belt in my category, that time I want to. Because he has a belt in my category but now no,” he said. It’s clear Beterbiev is setting the stage for what Canelo needs to do if he’s aiming for a match—it’s all about the belts.

So, what’s next? Will Canelo step up and chase another belt to meet Beterbiev’s terms, or will Benavidez finally get his chance against the big names? Let us know what you think would happen with Beterbiev’s future.