David Benavidez could be next in line to face Artur Beterbiev, the new undisputed light heavyweight champion. But first, Benavidez must get through a tough test in January.
The Mexican-American boxer will take on David Morrell in a clash of undefeated fighters. Whoever comes out on top will have their sights set on Beterbiev, who just beat Dmitry Bivol to become king of the division.
Benavidez has already made waves at 175lbs. He moved up in weight and beat Oleksandr Gvozdyk in June, winning the WBC interim light heavyweight title. That win put him in a good spot for a shot at Beterbiev.
Top trainer Robert Garcia shared his thoughts on the upcoming fights in an interview with 210 Boxing TV. He thinks Benavidez vs Morrell will be a better fight than Beterbiev vs Bivol.
"It'll be a better fight than what we've just seen. Even though we've seen a good fight, but it was more a 'when's that moment coming.'"
Garcia broke down the Beterbiev-Bivol fight. He noted that Bivol stuck to his plan while Beterbiev kept pushing forward. But he felt most of the punches didn't seem too powerful.
When it comes to Benavidez or Morrell facing Beterbiev or Bivol, Garcia sees both as real contenders:
"I see Benavidez or Morrell competing and maybe even beating either one of them, they're both more real f**king fighters. They'll put up a great fight."
Garcia thinks the light heavyweight division is wide open right now:
"It's hard to pick a winner. Whoever wins between them two will put up a good fight against either one of those guys. All four of those are in a good position to fight each other."
There's also talk of a rematch between Beterbiev and Bivol. That could happen before Beterbiev faces the Benavidez-Morrell winner. Promoter Bob Arum has weighed in on the undisputed fight outcome, but details of his comments weren't provided.
The light heavyweight division is heating up. With these big fights on the horizon, fans have a lot to look forward to in the coming months.
