David Benavidez says he wants his future schedule built around two marquee boxing dates: May 5 and Sept. 14. With Canelo Alvarez now expected to fight in Saudi Arabia, Benavidez believes that creates a major opening for him to headline one of those premium slots.
Benavidez told The Ring that a September date in Saudi Arabia would be the right move for his career and a chance to deliver a major event for fans. He framed it as something he has earned after more than a decade in the sport.
“I think the best thing for my career is to fight on May 5 and Sept. 14. Canelo is going to fight in Saudi Arabia now, so that leaves a lot of opportunities for me. It’s a great date, we’ll put on a great show for the fans, and I deserve it.
I’ve been in professional boxing for 13 years. I went from being a prospect to a champion by beating the best of the best. I earned everything on my own. Nothing was ever given to me. So now that I’m here, I feel like I deserve to fight on that date, and I’m going to keep giving the fans what they want to see [on those dates],” Benavidez said, per The Ring.