David Benavidez successfully defended his undefeated record as he beat rival David Morrell on Saturday night.
The pair had engaged in a fiery build-up to the fight, including Benavidez sending Morrell a chilling final message. However, it was the American who bested the Cuban.
Winning via unanimous decision, Benavidez has now become the mandatory challenger for the WBC World Light Heavyweight title, which will be contested between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.
Although that seemingly being the next fight for ‘The Mexican Monster’, Benavidez had previously called out Canelo Alvarez. However, the bout may not come to fruition.
David Benavidez shares why Canelo Alvarez fight is not happening
Despite there being discussions about a potential fight between super middleweight champion Alvarez and interim light heavyweight champion Benavidez, the bout may not materialize.
When asked about a potential fight with Alvarez in the post-fight press conference, Benavidez responded, “You guys keep asking me about that fight and I know as much as you guys.”
“I would love to fight Canelo, it would be a massive, massive, fight. But, Canelo says he has other things and he says I’m being ‘too mean’ in the way I’m approaching him.”
“I guess I got to work on my attitude.”
Benavidez stated that he previously accepted a fight with Alvarez, however, the fight never came to be.
In terms of an alternative opponent, Benavidez confirmed his interest in being in attendance for the rematch between Beterbiev and Bivol.
Should Benavidez’s prediction of Bivol defeating Beterbiev come true, then the two could potentially face off for the undisputed light heavyweight titles.
David Benavidez names David Morrell as the hardest puncher he has faced
Although the two have shared bad blood in the weeks leading up to the fight, Benavidez did provide a compliment to Morrell at the post-fight press conference.
When asked about how Morrell compared to Benavidez’s previous opponents, ‘The Mexican Monster’ claimed that the Cuban was the hardest puncher he had ever faced.
“He [Morrell] hits harder than anyone I’ve faced. He’s a good fighter.”
Benavidez would go on to explain that despite the talents of Morrell, his experience in the ring was a decisive factor in their 12-round fight. However, he acknowledged the effort put in by the Cuban and gave him plenty of respect in the post-fight press conference.