David Benavidez Has Jermall Charlo At the Top of His Agenda
David Benavidez’s (23-0, 20 KOs) next fight is against Ronald Ellis (18-1-2, 12 KOs) on March 13. But his eyes are set on frying bigger and better fish. The former WBC World Super Middleweight champion recently expressed interest in facing current WBC World Middleweight champion Jermall Charlo (31-0, 22 KOs). Hearing his name thrown out and about, Charlo loudly barked back. Words have become very heated and testy between the two.
During an appearance on the ESPN2 show, Max On Boxing, Benavidez was asked about Charlo. The 24-year-old from Phoenix, Arizona told host Max Kellerman he wants a fight with him.
“We’re both fighters that come forward. In the end, we both have a high percentage of knockouts. He feels he can knock me out. I feel like I can knock Charlo out.
So, let’s give the fans what they want to see. I think it’s going to be a war from round one to round twelve.”
Given the current climate of boxing and COVID-19, the sport has been forced to adjust. Charlo has received the vaccination for the virus. He says Benavidez must undergo the same procedure for the fight to happen.
That is no problem for the former champ. Benavidez finds it peculiar that Charlo is offering a stipulation due to the numerous precautions that currently take place.
Fighters are routinely tested for COVID-19 during camp and up to fight night. Benavidez views this demand as a sign of nervousness. However, he says he will do whatever it takes for the fight to happen.
DOES BENAVIDEZ-CHARLO MAKE SENSE?
On paper, this potential fight works for all parties. Just like Benavidez wants and needs a high-profile fight, so does Charlo. The world middleweight champion’s resume is far from stellar at this point. His best wins were against Austin Trout and Julian Williams which took place at 154 pounds.
At 160 pounds, Charlo’s resume has been far from stellar. A showdown against Benavidez at 168 pounds is arguably the biggest fight of his career. It would behoove him to make it a reality.
Hardcore fans would eat this kind of fight up. They know styles make fights and feel there is a low possibility of this potential showdown being boring.
HITLIST AT 168
Both men have visions of fighting unified WBA ‘Super’/WBC World Super Middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez. Problem is, Alvarez has stated his goal in 2021 is to become the super middleweight undisputed world champion.
That leaves both Benavidez and Charlo out of the loop for the time being. Understanding this reality, Benavidez told Kellerman there are three opponents he is targeting; first and foremost, the world middleweight champion from Houston, Texas.
“The first one would be against Charlo. The second one would be against Caleb Plant. The third fight would ultimately be against Canelo.”
I feel like those fights in that order would be amazing for my career and for the world of boxing. I feel like this would be what we need for the super middleweight division.”
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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