David Benavidez is moving up to light heavyweight to chase a world title fight against the new champion Dmitry Bivol. This comes after Canelo Alvarez wouldn't give him a shot in the super middleweight division.
Bivol just became the undisputed 175-pound champion by beating Artur Beterbiev, pushing his record to 24-1. The WBC then asked Bivol to set up a fight with Benavidez within 30 days. For Benavidez, who's undefeated in 30 fights, this would be his first crack at a world title.
But there's a snag. Turki Alalshikh, a big player in boxing, isn't interested in making the Bivol-Benavidez fight happen anymore. He said:
"I'm no longer interested in Bivol-Benavidez and I'm not going to bid for it. I think Bivol knows who has complied with him and who has not. My advice to Bivol: don't delay, because every day something changes."
This puts pressure on Bivol to make a move and could make it harder for Benavidez to get his title shot.
Benavidez, known as the "Mexican Monster" or "Red Flag," isn't shy about calling out other fighters. He's accused Canelo Alvarez of being a coward for not fighting him in the super middleweight division.
Jose Benavidez Sr., David's dad, had said earlier that Alalshikh was keen on working with them and might even set up a fight with Canelo. But now, with Alalshikh's latest statement, that seems less likely.
If Bivol doesn't agree to the WBC's request, Benavidez might have to look elsewhere. There's talk he could move up to cruiserweight and face Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez, the WBO champion with a 47-1 record.
The cruiserweight division also has Jai Opetaia, the undefeated IBF champion from Australia, as another potential opponent for either Benavidez or Ramirez down the line.
For now, all eyes are on Bivol. He'll have to decide soon whether to take on Benavidez or explore other options. Whatever happens, it's clear Benavidez is determined to get his shot at a world title, no matter the weight class.
