Error code: %{errorCode}

Boxing

David Benavidez vs Canelo dream fight moves a step closer as 'The Monster' considers next move

DAZN

Matt Astbury, Mark Lelinwalla, Derek Bilton

3, Feb

Beterbiev/Bivol & Dubois/Parker DAZN PPV - BUY NOW

After his unanimous decision victory over David Morrell Jr, the question hangs in the air as to what and who next for David Benavidez?

Saturday's win, taking the 28-year-old American to 30-0 (24 KOs), saw him crowned unified interim WBC and WBA 'Regular' light heavyweight world champion.

That makes him the mandatory challenger to the winner of Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol's rematch on February 22, as they headline Riyadh Season's Last Crescendo card.

So the question of 'who next for Benavidez?' should be a straightforward one. But, boxing being boxing, it is never that simple, especially with a Beterbiev/Bivol trilogy fight a very real prospect.

Our DAZN News boxing experts have their view on who next for the undefeated Las Vegas fighter known as 'The Monster'.

Matt Astbury

I would lean towards the winner of the WBO interim title fight Josh Buatsi versus Callum Smith. They meet on the seismic February 22 card headlined by the undisputed light heavyweight title fight between Beterbiev and Bivol.

Regardless of the result, I can easily see a third fight between Beterbiev and Bivol, therefore the winner of Buatsi vs Smith could face Benavidez with the majority of interim titles on the line.

Then the winner will be the true challenger to the undisputed light heavyweight crown.

Mark Lelinwalla

Ideally, Benavidez moves on to face the victor between undisputed light heavyweight king Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.

However, if the latter two engage in another memorable battle, who's to say Benavidez does not get frozen out with a Beterbiev-Bivol trilogy?

Therefore, I think we see a real chance that Benavidez either moves up to cruiserweight to clash with Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez or the two light heavyweights engage in a rematch themselves

Derek Bilton

Canelo-Fielding_2018 Erick W. Rasco / Sports Illustrated via Getty Images

After beating Morrell, Benavidez is now knocking on the ‘pound-for-pound’ lists door and it was so refreshing to see two men meeting in their absolute primes.

In terms of where Benavidez goes, we are hearing noises from the WBC that the Morrell-Benavidez winner would be the next challenger for their title.

However, that would perhaps be an odd flex if Bivol prevailed in his February 22 rematch with Beterbiev – especially if their return is close - as a third fight would be a no-brainer.

Now Benavidez has got the job done - again demonstrating his advantages in terms of speed and power – the drum will surely beat even louder for that elusive Canelo fight he so craves.

Sign up to a DAZN subscription to watch the very best boxing

DAZN is the home of boxing, broadcasting over 150 fights a year across boxing, bare knuckle boxing, MMA and crossover boxing.

It is not just about fight night, a DAZN membership also includes access to documentaries and features, weekly boxing magazine shows, live fight watchalongs, press conferences, weight-ins, open workouts, exclusive interviews and access to training camps, and podcasts and vodcasts.

Sign up right now to see the biggest fights in 2025, with an Annual Saver subscription just a one-off cost of £119.99 (for 12 months access). Or a Monthly Flex Pass only £24.99 per month (cancel any time).

For pricing, more information and to sign up for a DAZN subscription, click here.