David Benavidez, a rising star in boxing, can't catch a break in his quest for a title shot. The undefeated fighter with a 30-0 record finds himself in a frustrating position, unable to secure championship fights in both the 168-pound and 175-pound divisions.
Benavidez has climbed the ranks in the super middleweight division, becoming the WBC mandatory challenger. He's notched impressive wins over tough opponents like Caleb Plant and Demetrius Andrade. But a showdown with champion Canelo Alvarez hasn't materialized.
Undeterred, Benavidez set his sights on the light heavyweight division. He quickly became the WBC mandatory challenger there too. But again, luck wasn't on his side. Champion Artur Beterbiev opted for a rematch against Dmitry Bivol instead.
The situation got even more complicated when Bivol claimed the title. There's talk of a potential trilogy with Beterbiev, pushing Benavidez further down the list of contenders.
Benavidez thinks money is the root of his problems. He points to Turki Al-Sheikh, a financial backer who pays big names like Beterbiev, Bivol, and Alvarez. Al-Sheikh reportedly isn't interested in a Bivol vs. Benavidez matchup.
The fighter, known as the "Mexican Monster" and "Red Flag," didn't hold back in a recent interview with Mystic Zach. He accused boxing organizations, especially the WBC, of putting profits over fairness.
"Organizations don't take Canelo's belts away because the percentage of money they get from him is huge. That 3% of Canelo's $40 million is a lot of money."
Benavidez sees himself as caught in a tough spot. He's confident in his abilities but feels the business side of boxing is working against him.
"I feel like my name is not mentioned because I'm the most dangerous fighter in the world, but the least paid. All these fighters, I think, see it all as a business."
The situation sheds light on the complex world of boxing politics. Financial interests often play a big role in matchmaking and title opportunities. Even mandatory challengers like Benavidez aren't guaranteed their shot at the belt.
For now, Benavidez will keep training and hoping for his chance. But in a sport where money talks, he'll need to find a way to make himself too valuable to ignore.
