David Benavidez wants to fight Jermall Charlo to be a legend
Former world champion David “Red Flag” Benavidez (24-0, 21 KO’s) has maintained a lengthy social media feud with WBC World Middleweight champion Jermall “Hit Man” Charlo (32-0, 22 KO’s). During this extended back-and-forth, Benavidez has called Charlo wishy-washy, a loud-mouth and vowed to knock him out if they ever fought. In the end however, the core of his desire to test his might against Charlo stems from great respect.
In many ways, Red Flag shares the same code of honor that the Predator does. It’s not enough to merely get in the ring and concuss or defeat just anyone. Unless your opponent is known, capable and very dangerous, there is no glory in conquest. When viewing his opposition though this lens, Benavidez only seeks to battle the cream of the crop. That is precisely why the Charlo scalp is so appealing to him.
NO DANGER, NO GLORY!
In Charlo, Red Flag has that dangerous game who is worthy enough to earn him new stripes in his tribe. And that is precisely what he told SnowqueenLa in a recent interview.
“He’s a good brawler, he’s really good. He’s not bad at all, he’s good. For me, that’s why I want these type of fights because I want to be a legend by the time my career is done. And I want to have all these people on my resume. But he throws good shots, he throws good jabs, good body shots, he’s a great fighter. He’s powerful, but I am willing to take the challenge, you know, because I want to challenge myself.”
In many ways, Benavidez has the mentality of a throwback fighter. He really wants to fight the best in order to be recognized as the king of the barbarians. By ruling his division with an iron fist, he hopes to be etched into the history books. Let’s hope that Benavidez sticks to this strict warrior code for many years to come.
WHAT YOU GONNA DO?
Perhaps Benavidez still may secure the bout with Jermall Charlo. Charlo has recently expressed a desire to unify with WBO Middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade. That would be a great fight, but it’s no secret Charlo has harbored a seething hatred for Andrade for years. It would not take a leap of the imagination to see Charlo changing his tune quickly.
The Hit Man also recently stated that he was willing to face Benavidez at a catch-weight. If that is true, and Benavidez accepts, then a middle of the roads fight at 164-pounds could work out quite nicely for both. This outcome is a long shot, but this is the type of likely war that is worth daydreaming about.
By: Bakari Simpson
