David Benavidez Targets November Or December Return

David Benavidez revealed today that he’ll return to the ring in November or December at light heavyweight.

Benavidez Follows Morrell’s Path

Benavidez (29-0, 24 KOs) will now fight at 175, following in the footsteps of David Morrell, who gave up on the 168-lb division after failing to get a title shot against unified super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez.

“November or December,” David Benavidez told 2ToneDaSupastar when asked when he plans to fight next at 175.

Staying at 168 would have been a dead end for Benavidez, and he was wise to recognize that to cut his losses. Canelo would never fight him, and the WBC could not force the fight. Alvarez can’t be told what to do by any sanctioning body.

Benavidez says he’d be open to a fight against former light heavyweight world title challenger Anthony Yarde. However, it’s questionable whether he was serious.

Fans want to see Benavidez fight David Morrell (10-0, 9 KOs), who is fighting for the vacant WBA World light heavyweight title against Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic this Saturday, August 3rd on Turki Alalshikh’s Riyadh Season card at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. 

Options for Benavidez’s Next Fight

• David Morrell
• Anthony Yarde
• Albert Ramirez

Benavidez holds the WBC interim 175-lb title, and he’s a mandatory challenger for that belt. He will face the winner of the October 12th fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.

Depending on how long he has to wait to fight that match’s winner, Benandez may remain inactive until then. His Excellency Turki Alalshikh will decide who comes next.

Ideal Scenario: Benavidez vs. Morrell

Ideally, it would be more interesting for fans if Benavidez fought Morrell next, and then the winner would face the Artur Beterbiev-Bivol victor.

It’s unknown whether Benavidez and his dad, Jose Benavidez Sr., would agree to fight Morrell if Turki wanted that match to happen next. Benavidez has shown no interest in fighting Morrell thus far when he’s called him out, and some believe he doesn’t want to take any chances.

Benavidez is mandatory, and in the catbird’s seat, so he probably won’t want to jeopardize his position by fighting Morrell and having him take his spot.