Canelo Alvarez is plotting to stifle ex-mandatory challenger David Benavidez for a second time after the Beterbiev vs Bivol fight on October 12.
The Mexican superstar first refused to entertain the idea of facing Benavidez despite an order from the World Boxing Council. This refusal led to Benavidez moving up in weight on a WBC promise that ‘The Mexican Monster’ would be mandatory at 175 pounds if he defeated Oleksandr Gvozdyk. Benavidez did the job and plans to return on December 14 for a warm-up before facing Artur Beterbiev or Dmitry Bivol in the spring of 2025.
In a stunning twist, that’s where Canelo comes in. The three-belt super middleweight titleholder says he will pursue a rematch with Bivol if his old foe prevails against Beterbiev. If that happens, and Bivol accepts Canelo’s advances, the rivals could meet again in May 2025 – three years after their first meeting.
Bivol became only the second man to put a dent in Canelo’s record on the night and would be the only time the boxer formerly known as Saul would head back to light-heavyweight. There’s also the added bonus that Bivol will hold all four belts if he beats Beterbiev and would present Canelo with the opportunity to become a two-weight undisputed champion.
On the Pound for Pound Podcast, Canelo said, “Yes, it’s possible [fighting Bivol again]. It’s the only fight I’d make one more time at 175lbs, the rematch with Bivol.”
Asked by hosts Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo of UFC fame if the Benavidez fight was still on the table, Canelo did admit he was willing to sit down after he clashed with Edgar Berlanga on September 14.
“It’s his weight class, 175, and you can see he’s very different. He can do nothing with a fighter who retired in 2019 and comes with two easy fights. It’s different when you’re in your weight class and fighting with your guys in your weight,” Canelo told Usman and Cejudo.
Benavidez vs Canelo still on the table 🤔 pic.twitter.com/cVw4GT1t9L
— Pound 4 Pound (@pound4poundshow) August 22, 2024
Asked if the weight was the big reason he didn’t accept the fight in 2024, Canelo added, “No, I’m in the business. I can do the fight if the money is right. It’s okay. But you know I like to be at peace.
“They want to talk with me when I have a fight in front of me. I say look, I don’t want to talk about any other fight. After the fight with Berlanga, we can sit and talk about it. I’m not begging for anything. I’m good in the position I am, and I’m not begging to make that fight.
“I am doing my own business. I’m good if you want to make that fight, okay? We can talk after the fight.”
If, and it’s a big if – Canelo takes the fight, it would almost certainly have to be at some catchweight with a hydration clause in the mix. Currently, Canelo vs. Bivol 2 seems a much more likely encounter for May 2025, but it may come with stipulations after a shock result in the first bout.
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
