David Benavidez Refuses To Wait for Canelo Alvarez, Reveals Why Fight Did Not Happen

When Canelo Alvarez joined the PBC, the plan was straightforward. A fight with either of the Charlo twins, Jermall and Jermell, and then setting up a revenge fight. The intention was to ride on fans’ excitement about David Benavidez for the last fight of the contract. But it didn’t happen. Why? ‘The Mexican Monster’ himself lifts the veil from the reason.

Canelo Alvarez’s split with the PBC has seized headlines, and it raised concerns about whether the promotion itself is to blame for twisting the champion’s arm and leaving him with no choice. Two failed to meet on the money demands and the Benavidez fight. However, the blame should be painted on the super middleweight champion, if Benavidez is to be believed. So, where does it leave him?

David Benavidez is ready to leave behind Canelo Alvarez

The 27-year-old told ESPN about his much-awaited fight with Canelo Alvarez, and if it doesn’t happen, he is not waiting on it. He wants to keep pushing and fight for the titles, if not at 168, then at 175. Moreover, he believes the reason their fight won’t see a date is simply because the champion doesn’t want it.

“Him parting ways with PBC even though this fight was on the table – it speaks volumes. I’m not going to be waiting on Canelo… The reason why this fight is not happening is because Canelo doesn’t want it to happen, plain and simple,” Benavidez laid down the situation.

It appears that the Mexican champion was refusing the fight. Meanwhile, Benavidez, at 28-0 with 24 KOs, was willing to accept a pay cut and fight on a $5 million offer from Alvarez’s camp. “I don’t care about money. I care about winning titles and giving the fans the best fights possible,” he added.

Read More: “He’ll Do Anything to Stay Away”: Jose Benavidez Sr. Calls Out “Scared” Canelo Alvarez for Avoiding David Benavidez Fight, Demands Sanctioning Bodies to Be Fair

But with no breakthrough in sight, despite being the interim champion for almost two years, he had no choice. Benavidez wants to fight for the titles and seek opportunities, and therefore, has decided to move up to the 175-pound division. Benavidez will fight former champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk in the summer for the interim light heavyweight belt.

A win will edge him closer to the title shot against the winner of Artur Beterbiev–Dmitry Bivol, scheduled for June 1, for all the marbles at 175. However, Benavidez has not shut the door on his return to the super middleweight division. His fight with David Morrell has the buzz and promises to be a slugfest. But for now, he wants to keep moving ahead.

What do you make of these comments by David Benavidez? Do you believe Canelo Alvarez deliberately avoided the fight with him? Let us know in the comments below.

Also Read: Will Canelo Alvarez Return to Matchroom Boxing After Rumored PBC Split? Fans Share Their Opinions: “Golden Goose Back”