Just a few days ago, while speaking with Fight Hype’s Brian Mazique, this is what Canelo Alvarez had to say about David Benavidez: “He is very disrespectful, uh, not just with me but with everybody, and he’s accomplished nothing. Uh, he’s not even a champion.” Like many, perhaps he didn’t anticipate what would unfold only a week later. Eight years after first claiming the vacant WBC super middleweight title, David Benavidez has now become an undisputed world champion.

Though not necessarily by his own doing inside the ring, following Dmitry Bivol‘s decision to vacate the belt, he was elevated to full WBC light heavyweight championship. The surprising development occurred as talks for the Benavidez-Bivol clash, which has been brewing for some time, finally reached the purse bids. For Benavidez, a win over Bivol would’ve offered much credibility and clout. It could have potentially cleared the path for the one fight he’s been chasing: Canelo Alvarez. Now, with a world title in hand, he may have finally gained the leverage he needs to silence critics who’ve consistently questioned his resume.

Reacting to Dmitry Bivol’s move, David Benavidez reportedly said, “Just got the news that Bivol decided to vacate his title instead of fighting me.” He acknowledged that he’d rather win the belt by beating the current champ, not by default. It wasn’t his preferred path. Though disappointed, he made it clear that he intends to move forward with purpose.

“This is not the ideal way for me to become a world champion, but nevertheless, I am now the WBC light heavyweight champion of the world, and I intend to put on the best fights,” said ‘El Bandera Roja.’

For starters, a title defense against WBO interim champion Callum Smith is a strong possibility. Since his loss to Artur Beterbiev, Smith has bounced back. In ‘The Last Crescendo,’ he registered a statement win over the ever-resilient Joshua Buatsi. Since then, talk of a Benavidez vs. Smith clash has only gained momentum.

From interim to inevitable: the Benavidez challenge grows louder

Of course, there’s no ruling out a future return to the negotiating table with Bivol. The Russian is reportedly pursuing a potential trilogy bout with Artur Beterbiev. So should he come out victorious, a shot at reclaiming undisputed status could bring him right back to Benavidez’s doorstep.

Let’s say Benavidez eventually faces and beats names like Smith, Bivol, or even Beterbiev. Then critics can no longer argue that he hasn’t faced real tests. Sure, some detractors may dismiss his title win as a stroke of luck or a gift. But what matters now is how he seizes the opportunity. It has undoubtedly brought him closer to the biggest prize: a clash with Canelo Alvarez.

With another box checked, Canelo may no longer have many valid reasons to dismiss the challenge. Benavidez wants the ‘best fights.’ And now, more than ever, he’s earned the right to ask for it. In the end, it’s the fans who will benefit. After all, that’s what boxing is about: bringing the best against the best and giving the sport its most unforgettable moments.

So, what do you think? Has the long-sought showdown between David Benavidez and Canelo Alvarez moved closer to reality and away from fantasy?