Boxing Updates: David Benavidez To Be Announced Mandatory Challenger For Canelo Alvarez, WBC President Confirms

The whole boxing world has its eyes set on the super middleweight division as the anticipation surrounding Saul “Canelo” Alvarez‘s next bout reaches a fervent high. As the rumors surrounding his upcoming bout in May started flaring up, the fans were left wondering who was going to be facing him next. However, it seems that the fans may finally get to see him make the fight that everyone has been clamoring for.

Last year, the WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman stated that if David Benavidez manages to defeat Demetrius Andrade, he would become Alvarez’s mandatory. The recent update from the WBC may finally force Alvarez to give David Benavidez a shot at the undisputed Super middleweight title. So when can fans expect to hear an update on the fight? Sulaiman has an estimate.

WBC President believes the two teams will soon come to an understanding

Interestingly, until just recently, various reports had suggested that Alvarez would be fighting Jermall Charlo next. But what WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman stated may change the direction of the rumors surrounding Canelo’s next opponent. He acknowledged that Benavidez vs. Canelo would be the “next logical step.”

Sulaiman confirmed the possibility of Benavidez as mandatory getting a chance against Canelo Alvarez, stating, “Yes, it’s very possible. Benavidez confirms his status as mandatory in March.” He further revealed ongoing negotiations between the camps, saying, “If Canelo has a fight for May… They’re in the same company, already talking, and they’ve been negotiating.” The WBC president emphasized, “We’re leaving them to negotiate. We will see what happens for May, and then the WBC can intervene.”

Meanwhile, Alvarez has already revealed that he will be fighting an American opponent on May 4th, coinciding with Cinco de Mayo weekend. While Jermall Charlo, seeking revenge for his brother’s loss, was initially considered a frontrunner, it’s important to remember that David Benavidez is also American.

Only time will tell if Alvarez will fight Benavidez or will the WBC finally step in to force his hand to give Benavidez a shot. In the meantime, he has already ruled out any chances of fighting Terence Crawford next.

Canelo Alvarez finds no value in fighting Terence Crawford

How great would it be if Alvarez and Terence Crawford could go for a pound-for-pound match-up? But Alvarez is not interested as he just threw a bucket of cold water on the idea. Even though Crawford proved his might to the world after defeating Errol Spence Jr. last year, he still won’t get the fight he truly desires. However, it is important to note that the size difference between the two is significant as Canelo weighs 20 pounds more than Crawford.

While Canelo previously hinted at an American opponent for his upcoming May 4th fight in Las Vegas, he has now definitively ruled out Crawford. When asked directly by Box Azteca, Canelo simply replied, “No.” Financial gain doesn’t seem to be motivating Canelo either. He acknowledged the potential for a lucrative fight, but believed the criticism for facing Crawford wouldn’t be worth it.

Watch This Story – Demetrius Andrade Blasts Canelo Alvarez Ahead of David Benavidez Fight

“They’re going to criticize me anyway,“ Canelo said, “I have nothing to gain and everything to lose. If I beat him, everyone will say he was too small.” What do you think about the situation? Do you think we will finally get to see David Benavidez vs. Canelo Alvarez? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Read More: David Benavidez, Jermall Charlo and Other Names in the Race to Canelo Alvarez’s Cinco de Mayo Clash