Canelo Alvarez and David Benavidez have been linked to one another for a number of years, but they could now be about to battle to face the same potential opponent.
Benavidez has been chasing a clash with Alvarez for some time now. After failing to land it, he moved up to 175lbs where he has become the WBC light heavyweight champion.
He now heads to cruiserweight to face unified champion Gilberto Ramirez in May, while Canelo is set to return in September, looking to bounce back after losing his undisputed crown at 168lbs to Terence Crawford last year.
If both men win their upcoming fights victories, Dmitry Bivol is apparently waiting. Dan Rafael reported this week that the Russian’s manager, Vadim Kornilov, has named the duo as targets.
“Per Bivol manager [Kornilov] to me as it relates to what Dmitry would like: IBF mandatory Michael [Eifert] this spring (agreed to, ticketed for Usyk card May 23) then Beterbiev 3 [and] then either Canelo 2, Benavidez or a cruiserweight champion.”
Canelo has history with Bivol – the reigning WBA, IBF and WBO light heavyweight champion – having suffered a unanimous decision defeat to the Russian back in May 2022, with a rematch touted at various points since then. The Mexican has said in the past that it is the only fight at 175lbs that interests him.
Benavidez has also openly called for the fight, interested in both taking on the best in the world and a chance to become undisputed at light-heavyweight. Boxing fans are still unlikely to see Canelo and Benavidez face off inside the ropes, but may witness an intriguing battle across the negotiating table.
