Artur Beterbiev is boxing’s current hot property. Last week, the former unified light heavyweight won the biggest fight of his career. He overcame the sheer technical superiority of Dmitry Bivol to become the division’s new undisputed champion. Keeping aside the much-anticipated rematch against Bivol, doorways to some big fights seem to have opened up for Beterbiev.

Among the names doing rounds for a potential matchup are those of Canelo Alvarez and David Benavidez. Though Alvarez rules the roost at 168 pounds, in the past he has forayed into the light heavyweight division. However, his second attempt at a title ended in defeat—at the hands of Bivol. On the other hand, Benavidez, who was Alvarez’s mandatory challenger, moved up a division after their much-sought-after fight failed to materialize. As of now, the developments remain on the periphery of rumors. But if a chance did occur, how would they fare against a fighter like Beterbiev? Former champions Caleb Plant and Keith Thurman shared their thoughts on the probable outcomes.

A tale of insights

A reporter from FightHype highlighted how rumors about a matchup between Canelo Alvarez and Artur Beterbiev had been gaining traction for some time. Then one has to take note of the upcoming clash between the interim champions, David Benavidez and David Morrell. If ‘The Mexican Monster’ won, then he would likely join Alvarez in the race to face Beterbiev.

“Of those two guys, especially based on your experience, Canelo and Benavidez, who do you think gives Beterbiev the harder fight?” the reporter asked. “I don’t know,” responded Caleb Plant. For him, the doubt stemmed from the differing styles of the two champions. Which one will edge out the other remains a big question. “Whatever your style is, there’s usually a style out there that can give it trouble, so and that’s up Beterbiev; you know which style gives him more trouble, so it’s hard to say,” replied the interim super middleweight champion.

Keith Thurman faced a similar question: “Who gives Beterbiev the tougher fight, Canelo or David?” Unlike Caleb Plant, ‘One Time’, who has yet to enter the ring since the 2022 fight against Mario Barrios, had his pick for the win: David Benavidez. “I just like I just like Benavidez. I just like what he does in there, man,” Keith Thurman said. ‘The Mexican Monster’s speed and power had impressed him heavily.

Taking up last year’s Plant-Benavidez fight, he shared that as much as he admired the Tennessean’s skill in the ring, the fact remains, “He’s (Benavidez) a monster, so you know I just support him.”

Artur Beterbiev: Overcoming Styles

Contrasting views, but one shouldn’t forget—Plant has a notable experience having suffered his two professional defeats at the hands of Canelo Alvarez and David Benavidez. Though a pure boxer himself, stylistically, he understands the attacking style of both. It would be interesting to see if either of them steps into the ring against Artur Beterbiev. On the October 12 match, the Canadian-Russian champion faced a technical wizard who managed to keep his distance and threw some big shots quite successfully.

But neither Alvarez nor Benavidez are cut from that mold. Both could be expected to clash head-on. Whether it’s the Mexican superstar or ‘The Mexican Monster’, fans would love to see if Beterbiev can push either one back to the ropes and land his knockout punch.

What is your take? Between Canelo Alvarez and David Benavidez, who would give Artur Beterbiev a tougher fight?