David Benavidez Opts To Remain As Mandatory For Canelo Alvarez

David Benavidez has decided to remain the mandatory challenger for Canelo Alvarez.

Benavidez moved up in weight on Saturday as he defeated Oleksandr Gvozdyk. Although Benavidez moved up, he plans to return back to his natural weight class and be the mandatory for Alvarez.

“If that happens, we will have eight weeks to train for Canelo. We can be ready for September,” Benavidez’s promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, told BoxingScene on Monday night in reference to Alvarez’s past interest in fighting on the Saturday night of Mexican Independence Day weekend, which this year would fall on Sept. 14.

Benavidez is Alvarez’s mandatory challenger for his WBC belt, but Alvarez has said it will take a $200 million purse for him to take that fight. But, for WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman says he’s hopeful the fight will happen soon.

“That’s exactly it,” Sulaiman said. “Throughout history, the WBC has been fundamental in helping to build legendary fights. Big fights have to take place at the right time, under the correct circumstances…

“If you try to ruin by popularity, you are ruined,” Sulaiman said. “The most important thing is what is fair and just. What is popular for the fans of Canelo and Benavidez and the sport are different scenarios. We try to handle the balls we juggle [and we have been through it before] many, many times.”

David Benavidez is 29-0 as a pro and also holds notable wins over Demetrius Andrade and Caleb Plant.