‘The Mexican Monster’s hands drove ‘The Nail’ right through the wall. The 27-year-old phenomenon became a world champion for the fourth time. He defeated former world champion and Olympic medalist Oleksandr Gvozdyk to lift the light heavyweight division’s interim title. In the post-fight press conference, David Benavidez spoke about his family’s pivotal role in his career journey. He emphasized their unwavering support, which has propelled him to his current standing.

He also spoke about his 3-year-old son. Young Anthony Benavidez was present at the event along with his father, grandfather, and the rest of the team. ‘The Mexican Monster’ expressed hope that his son will one day carry forward the rich legacy of boxing in the family. To prove his father right, the prodigious son, of course, with some prompting, displayed some dexterous moves, awing the whole crowd. Perhaps the whole sequence was surreal for ‘The Mexican Monster’. A proud father watching his son display some of the skills for which he is known, surrounded by his family, celebrating another victory, soon emotions welled up.

His son’s boxing skills and family legacy overwhelm David Benavidez

It was Marcus Hayes from Fight Hub TV who raised the question. The reporter spoke about how everyone saw Anthony Benavidez following his father during media workouts. So with ‘Father’s Day’ approaching, he wanted to know from David Benavidez what he felt surrounded by his father, brother, and other family members. “Talk to us a little bit about what those moments mean to you, sharing these moments with your dad and with your brother. Uh, talk to us about what Father’s Day means to you.” Hayes asked.

“It means a lot to me,” responded the new interim light heavyweight champion. “Don’t get my son started; I’ll tell him to do combinations right here do in front,” he then added. It seems Anthony Benavidez was just waiting. Taking some help from Grandpa Jose Benavidez Sr., he soon got up on the table. Like a seasoned boxer, off he went, shooting a combination with a loud yell. Father, grandfather, and everyone else had smiles on their faces as they watched the toddler close with a right hook.

Just when the world champion shared how happy he felt, his father, Jose Benavidez Sr., chimed in. Now standing behind his grandson, he asked everyone, “Guys don’t want to ask him who he wants to fight….you want to ask him?” A quick check with Anthony Benavidez was done in Spanish, and his response was, “Canelo!” The entire venue burst out with laughter, it seemed. David Benavidez continued. Looking at his son, he said, “I want to make my bloodline just nothing but champions, and my son, I don’t have to ask him for that; he does it on his own, so I’m just very happy.”

He considered his son blessed because his father, Jose Benavidez Sr., and elder, Jose Benavidez Jr., were there with all the support. Just like the way they helped him. They are the people who introduced him to boxing and taught him the basics. He couldn’t control his emotions as he concluded, “I got it; it got passed down to me, and it’s my fourth belt; I’m winning, you know, so now my son he’s going to be uh he’s going to be world champion soon too, so in the future.”

The Monster’s next move

Fans would now be eagerly watching out for David Benavidez’s next move. He can move back to 168 lbs. and once again chase Canelo Alvarez for a fight. Otherwise, he can stay in the light heavyweight division itself and play the waiting game. Why? Because, come October, the magnum opus between the division’s two biggest names, Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, will play out. The winner will be the 175-pound weight class’s undisputed champion. ‘The Mexican Monster’ can then make his move and fight the new title holder.

A win over either Beterbiev or Bivol would not only fulfill his lifelong dream but also place him as the division’s new undisputed champion on par with archrival Canelo Alvarez. Who knows, perhaps that accomplishment might grab the Mexican icon’s attention.

What’s your take on the course of action David Benavidez should follow? Please share your views with us in the comments below.