David Benavidez has explained how he plans to lure long-time rival Canelo Alvarez into a hotly-anticipated clash with him.
Fans have called for a a fight between Benavidez and Canelo incessantly over the past few years, though there appears to be a reluctance on the latter’s side to step into the ring with the 28-year-old.
There are many in boxing of the opinion that Alvarez has been ducking a fight against his younger, bigger adversary, despite the fact it is perhaps the most financially lucrative for him.
As time goes on, it looks increasingly less likely that the pair will ever fight, especially with Benavidez moving up in weight – however the Arizona man has a plan.
Speaking to Andre Ward on ALL THE SMOKE, ‘The Mexican Monster’, who faces David Morrell in Las Vegas on Saturday, explained that he plans to become undisputed light heavyweight champion by defeating the winner of the February 22 rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.
Benavidez believes the temptation of prying that status from him will be too great for Alvarez to turn down.
“I don’t think any fighter is scared. But I feel like he knows it’s the toughest fight, and in his head he knows that he could lose.
“I know that for a fact, that’s why I know he’s not taking this fight.
“I don’t think he’s scared of me and I think he will fight me. But he knows if he loses his fight then what else is there? He’s probably going to retire.
“My plan is to beat David Morrell, going up to win the undisputed titles and that way I can entice Canelo into fighting me.”
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He took a good scalp in his inaugural fight at 175lbs last summer, when he defeated former world champion, Oleksandr Gvozdyk via unanimous decision.
As for unified super middleweight champion, Canelo, the 34-year-old has not boxed since his September win over Edgar Berlanga, though reports suggest he has agreed terms for a blockbuster clash against pound-for-pound star Terence Crawford in September.
