“He’ll Need a Billion to Consider”: Fans Blast WBC for it’s “Worst” Ultimatum as David Benavidez Stuck Between Canelo and Beterbiev-Bivol

David Benavidez has a tough call to make. Is it another long wait at 168 in hopes of getting a title shot against Canelo Alvarez or scripting a new story in 175 with a unification dream in sight? The fans turned to the comment section and decided for him while he took his time.

Since defeating Oleksandr Gvozdyk this June, the American fighter now holds another interim title. While he already held the WBC interim crown at 168, he has now added the interim crown of 175, with a shot at the winner of Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev. However, it seems the WBC doesn’t want to wait and let ‘The Mexican Monster’ watch the action unfold, taking his time to pick his mandatory challenge.

David Benavidez mulls over: Canelo Alvarez or the winner of Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol

Michael Benson took to his X handle, pointing out that the WBC had given Benavidez, 27, an ultimatum to decide which interim strap to keep, effectively determining the division’s fate. He wrote, “The WBC have now approved a two-week extension for David Benavidez to choose between his WBC mandatory positions. Benavidez holds WBC ‘interim’ belts at both super-middleweight and light-heavyweight, but must decide if he’s going to continue to pursue Canelo Alvarez or target the Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol winner.”

So, what will Benavidez choose? The fighter has fought through his career at 168 and eagerly waits for his dream fight and payday against the super middleweight champion, Alvarez. That’s what his heart desires as well. “We’re still looking to go down to 168 to fight for the title,” the Phoenix native said. “If we’re going to get Canelo or if they’re going to vacate it, I would like to win it one more time.”

However, the fans didn’t appreciate the WBC’s stringent action of forcing Benavidez’s hand. So, they took to the comments, throwing a jibe at the sanctioning body.

A state of fix for ‘Mexican Monster’ but not for fans

A fan wondered why Benavidez, at 29-0, has to choose between his two interim titles. They argued that the WBC wouldn’t have sanctioned the fight with Alvarez because they hadn’t done it for over two years. They declared, “why should he HAVE to choose? WBC WONT MANDATE THE CANELO FIGHT.”

A user referenced Alvarez’s demand of $150–200 million to accept the fight with Benavidez, which is unheard of. They sarcastically added, “Canelo now says he’ll need a billion to consider..”

Someone cautioned Benavidez about his preparation to take on the winner of Beterbiev vs. Bivol since he is still relatively new to the 175 division. They announced, “You ain’t ready for the winner of Beterbiev/Bivol, everyone wants to see Canelo-Benavidez so he should move back down to 168.”

A comment argued why Benavidez would be forced to pick one when he had collected both interim titles. It also claimed that Benavidez should have the right to pursue either of the fights. The comment read, “Why choose if he hold both. That should allow him the privilege to pursue both if he wants.”

Another fan suggested that Benavidez should pick Bivol, as Alvarez would avoid him. A September timeline could be a possible slot for Alvarez vs. Benavidez if that happens. They commented, “He should go for Bivol, Canelo will Duck him forever.”

Someone then debated that it wouldn’t have made sense to force Benavidez to make a call unless the WBC was ready to enforce his mandatory challenge. They stated, “Is the wbc going to force his mandatory status at either weight? If not it doesn’t matter.”

Lastly, a comment threw shade on the WBC, calling it the “worst” because of the liberties and relaxations to the champ to fight his mandatory and title defenses. Jermall Charlo remained a champion for three years, without defending it. The comment read, “Nahh the WBC is officially the worst sanctioning body.”

Benavidez’s decision depends on the outcome and schedule of Beterbiev vs. Bivol, which is set for October. With a rematch clause, the chances of a title shot could be pushed back to 2025. Meanwhile, Alvarez has no opponent in sight but will fight in September. Will that be the time when the fans get their wishes? No one knows.

What do you think of this move by the WBC about David Benavidez’s title shot scenario? Who do you believe he should choose next? Let us know in the comments below.