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Just when it seemed that the David Benavidez and Canelo Alvarez fight may never occur, a WBC announcement provided a glimmer of hope that all fans and followers were looking forward to. So Benavidez got elevated to the coveted position of mandatory challenger. As the WBC (Interim) Super Middleweight champion, he stands first in line to claim the undisputed Super Middleweight title.

However, the issue is not as straightforward as it may appear. The WBC has made it clear that until March 2024, Canelo Alvarez is not obligated to take on the mandatory challenger. He is on a different trajectory with the 3-fight, $100 million PBC deal. The Jermell Charlo fight happens to be the first. Reports of David Benavidez going for a second title defense only adds to the confusion.

David Benavidez: The Challenges to Glory

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Soon after closing the Caleb Plant chapter, David Benavidez clarified who he wanted to fight next. He called out the undisputed Super Middleweight champion. Subsequent months even saw concerted efforts from his team. Reportedly, they made an eight-figure offer to Canelo Alvarez. However, the Mexican icon’s sights were zeroed on other targets. Returning after a seven-month hiatus, he took on challenger John Ryder in May.

Soon, it became clear who he would be going after. It surprised many when they learned he would take on Jermell Charlo, the undisputed Light Middleweight champion, instead of his twin brother Jermall, the Middleweight champion.

‘The Mexican Monster’ perhaps found it prudent to move on. He finally seems to have received the chance to enter the ring for the second time in the year. As per several reports, he might be squaring up against former Middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade on November 24 at Showtime PPV. So, what does it mean for the Benadivez-Alvarez contest? Let’s be clear: there seems to be no surety whether Alvarez will finally accept Benavidez’s challenge even after the waiting period expires.

Is it all, then?

So, while speaking on a podcast recently, David Benavidez revealed a twist in the plot. He shared that he plans to rope in his elder brother, Jose Benavidez Jr., on the November undercard. To oppose him, Jermall Charlo could be brought in. Why him? According to several accounts, there is a high probability that Alvarez’s next opponent could be Jermell Charlo’s twin. Even ‘The Hitman’ seemingly may want to avenge his brother’s loss.

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Hence, if Benavidez Jr. can defeat Jermall Charlo next month, the path to Canelo Alvarez will be clear for David Benavidez. However, it’s still not as easy as it sounds. Andrade is 35 and entertains an ambition to make it big before calling it quits. Many fans would remember him for the slanging match with Alvarez at the press conference after the Billy Joe Saunders fight. Thus, fighting an opponent with Canelo Alvarez in his crosshairs might find Benavidez burning a candle at both ends.

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Do you think David Morrell could be another alternative for Canelo Alvarez to pick and fight? Please share your thoughts and views with us in the comments below.

Watch This Story: Terence Crawford, David Benavidez, Dmitry Bivol Rematch, and Other Potential Opponents for Canelo Alvarez After Sensational Victory Over Jermell Charlo

Written by

Jaideep R Unnithan

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Jaideep Unnithan is a Boxing writer at EssentiallySports. With over 400 articles authored at ES, Jaideep has built a reputation for diving deep into stories and producing detailed reports. Jaideep's passion for the sport of boxing was ignited when his father shared his experience of watching Ali vs Frazier live in the US.
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Edited by

Arijit Saha