David Benavidez has seemingly accepted that his long-awaited fight against Saul “Canelo” Alvarez may never happen. After years of calling out the Mexican superstar, Benavidez says he is ready to move forward with his career rather than continue pursuing an opponent who does not appear interested in the matchup.
The latest comments mark a significant moment for Benavidez, who has repeatedly expressed his desire to face the biggest names in boxing and establish himself as one of the sport’s leading fighters.
Speaking on The Last Stand podcast, Benavidez acknowledged Canelo’s achievements while admitting that their potential showdown is unlikely to become a reality. Meanwhile, the former super-middleweight champion is preparing for an important cruiserweight run that could include fights against Michal Cieslak and Jai Opetaia.
David Benavidez Says Canelo Alvarez Fight May Never Happen
Benavidez has spent years trying to secure a fight with Canelo Alvarez. However, despite strong interest from boxing fans, the matchup has never materialized.
During his appearance on The Last Stand, Benavidez explained that he no longer wants to keep calling out a fighter who does not seem willing to share the ring with him.
He said he could confidently acknowledge that the fight was never going to happen, adding that he did not want to continue pursuing someone who was not interested.
Despite his frustration over the missed opportunity, Benavidez also praised Canelo’s accomplishments and recognized his standing in the sport.
Benavidez described Alvarez as a great fighter and a legend, explaining that he hopes to follow a similar path and build a legacy of his own.
The comments suggest that Benavidez is ready to concentrate on his own ambitions rather than wait for a fight that has remained out of reach for years.
Why David Benavidez vs. Canelo Alvarez Never Happened
The rivalry between Benavidez and Canelo became one of boxing’s most discussed potential matchups because of the contrasting stages of their careers and the possibility of a major all-Mexican showdown.
Benavidez previously established himself as a mandatory challenger in the WBC super-middleweight division while Canelo held the championship. However, the fight was never ordered and completed during that period.
Canelo has maintained his own career priorities, including his pursuit of undisputed status at super-middleweight, which he achieved in 2021.
Benavidez eventually moved up to light heavyweight, keeping hopes of a future meeting alive among fans. Canelo had also competed at light heavyweight, creating further speculation that the two could eventually agree to fight.
However, Benavidez’s current plans at cruiserweight make the matchup increasingly difficult to arrange.
Rather than continue waiting for Canelo, Benavidez appears determined to pursue championships in another division and build his reputation through new challenges.
David Benavidez Targets Cruiserweight Glory
Benavidez has enjoyed considerable success throughout his professional career, winning world titles across multiple weight classes. His most recent major achievement came against Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, whom he defeated to become a unified cruiserweight champion.
The performance strengthened Benavidez’s position as a major contender at 200 pounds and demonstrated his ability to compete against elite opposition in a heavier division.
Although he had previously considered returning to light heavyweight, Benavidez has indicated that cruiserweight is currently the most comfortable division for him.
He intends to remain at 200 pounds for the foreseeable future, with a potential move to heavyweight being considered in the coming years.
His immediate focus is on adding another championship to his collection and establishing himself as one of the division’s leading fighters.
David Benavidez vs. Michal Cieslak Planned for December
Benavidez is scheduled to face Michal Cieslak in December as he looks to add the WBC cruiserweight title to his achievements.
The contest represents an important opportunity for Benavidez to strengthen his position in the division and move closer to becoming a dominant force at cruiserweight.
Cieslak presents another significant challenge as Benavidez continues his transition into the weight class. A victory would give the American-Mexican fighter additional momentum heading into a potential showdown with another leading cruiserweight.
The December fight is therefore an important step in Benavidez’s broader championship ambitions.
Fight fans will be watching closely to see whether he can maintain the form that helped him secure his recent victory over Ramirez.
Jai Opetaia Fight Could Be Next for Benavidez
Another major name linked to Benavidez’s cruiserweight plans is Jai Opetaia.
The Australian has established himself as one of the division’s most formidable fighters, making a potential matchup with Benavidez an attractive proposition for boxing fans.
According to the reported plans, Benavidez could face Opetaia in May 2027 after his scheduled contest against Cieslak.
Such a fight would provide a significant test of Benavidez’s credentials at cruiserweight. It would also give him an opportunity to strengthen his standing without needing to secure the long-discussed Canelo fight.
Although the potential matchup remains dependent on future developments, it could become one of the division’s most compelling contests if both fighters move forward with the plans.
David Benavidez Also Plans a Promotional Move
Benavidez is reportedly preparing for another major change outside the ring by exploring the possibility of promoting himself.
Speaking on The Last Stand, he indicated that he had fulfilled his existing contractual commitments after approximately 10 years and now wanted to pursue a different direction.
Benavidez also made clear that he intends to remain aligned with Premier Boxing Champions (PBC).
His plans echo the approach taken by other prominent fighters who have sought greater control over their careers, business decisions and promotional arrangements.
Becoming his own promoter could give Benavidez more influence over negotiations and future opportunities. However, the practical details of any new arrangement remain important, particularly as he approaches potentially lucrative fights against leading cruiserweights.
If successful, the move could represent a major development in both his boxing career and his business ambitions.
What Is Next for David Benavidez?
Benavidez now appears focused on building his legacy through championship opportunities rather than pursuing a fight with Canelo Alvarez.
His immediate objective is to face Cieslak in December, with a possible matchup against Opetaia in 2027 offering another major challenge.
Beyond cruiserweight, Benavidez has also left open the possibility of eventually moving up to heavyweight, potentially within the next couple of years.
At 29, he still has time to pursue additional titles and establish himself among boxing’s most accomplished active fighters.
While a fight against Canelo would undoubtedly attract enormous attention, Benavidez’s current direction suggests that he is no longer willing to let that single matchup define his career.
Final Thoughts
David Benavidez’s admission that a fight with Canelo Alvarez is unlikely marks a turning point in a rivalry that boxing fans have discussed for years.
Rather than continue calling out Alvarez, Benavidez is concentrating on cruiserweight championship opportunities, with Michal Cieslak and Jai Opetaia potentially standing between him and further success.
His reported plans to become his own promoter could also give him greater control over the next stage of his career.
For Benavidez, the objective is now clear: continue winning titles, pursue the biggest available challenges and build a legacy that stands on its own, regardless of whether the Canelo fight ever happens.
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