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Must Benavidez look up after hurting Canelo chances in Zurdo shakedown?
After crushing Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez to become the new unified cruiserweight world champion, David Benavidez once again made it a point to call out Canelo Alvarez.
“We can’t leave that fight on the table,” Benavidez told Jim Gray. “I respect Canelo. He’s a great champion, but I’m a great champion too. Let’s do it.”
One can’t blame Benavidez for making a last-ditch effort. The fight would increase Benavidez’ star power tenfold and it’d earn him a life-changing payday. However, from the way he absolutely destroyed Ramirez, becoming the first man to stop ‘Zurdo,’ ‘The Mexican Monster’ probably did more to hurt than help his chances at landing a fight against Alvarez.
DAZN FACE OFF: Wardley vs. Dubois
Watch explosive encounter here
Benavidez continued his war path of not only defeating opponents, but badly beating them up — thoroughly dismantling Ramirez. After seeing that absolute flattening, why would Alvarez, who turns 36 this summer, agree to clash with ‘El Monstro?’ The money, of course, would be there but would it be worth risking the bodily harm that a relentless Benavidez can inflict?
After Saturday night’s pummeling, Benavidez could fight Dmitry Bivol, the unified light heavyweight world champion. It’s the same division that Benavidez still reigns as the WBC ruler. He could also clash with cruiserweight Jai Opetaia. But having demolished ‘Zurdo’ the way he did, Benavidez should keep looking north rather than south.
Although Benavidez vs. Bivol would sizzle in lining up another noted pair of sparring partners — just as Benavidez and Ramirez were — giving Benavidez the monumental task of figuring out the sweet science brilliance of former undisputed heavyweight world champion and current unified ruler, Oleksandr Usyk, would be just what’s needed to feed the boxing beast. Plus, Benavidez has thought about this challenge before and is interested in it.
Nothing would quite satiate Benavidez like having him prepare for a generational great like Usyk.
Since the other generational legend in Canelo has dismissed the possibility of clashing with Benavidez and Bivol would entail ‘El Monstro’ moving back down after performing so dominantly at cruiserweight, heavyweight is the destination.
There, ‘El Monstro’ would be giving up size, but certainly not fight.
Watch Wardley vs. Dubois only on DAZN
The WBO world heavyweight title is on the line for Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois on May 9, only on DAZN PPV. Buy as a one-off PPV or included, along with Usyk vs Verhoeven (May 23), with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription.
