A day after Canelo lost his crown, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh reflected, “Can David Benavidez still make 168 pounds? 🤔” The thought immediately sparked a frenzied discussion. Many felt the Riyadh Season head had Crawford in mind for a matchup against the Mexican Monster. One should note, however. Despite the setback, Canelo still remains an integral part of the equation. His record may have taken a hit. But still, he remains one of the biggest names in boxing.

Suggestions are aplenty. Apart from the regular matchups, there have been calls for retirement. A few recommended a change in the corner as well. A rematch with Crawford remains a viable option. One shouldn’t forget. Canelo is still contract-bound with Alalshikh’s Riyadh Season. Under the $400 million deal, he still has two more fights to fulfill. So who can fill in his shoes if the Nebraskan champion opts out of a second fight? Canelo Alvarez needs another blockbuster that not only puts him back on the throne but also guarantees another $100 million payout. Speculations are rife. As far as the man about whom Alalshikh pondered, he seems to have already made up his mind.

No turning back: David Benavidez leaves 168 pounds behind

The recent interview with Ring Magazine saw Shady McCoy repeat Turki Alalshikh’s poser. “David, I gotta ask you, bro, before you leave because all the fans want to know this. Can you still make 168?” the former running back asked. Initially, Benavidez joked, “To be honest with you, man, let Terence Crawford live.”

But it didn’t take much time before he spilled the tea. 168 pounds barely piqued any interest. A matchup against Crawford or Canelo could reap a windfall. Still, he felt at home as a light heavyweight champion. “I’m chasing Beterbiev. I’m chasing Bivol, you know. I’m chasing these other bigger. I’m chasing Zurdo Ramirez at cruiserweight, you know what I mean? So, I’ve been at 168, but I have no interest in going down,” David Benavidez said.

Benavidez is now lined up for a high-stakes bout against Anthony Yarde. The duo will headline the ‘Ring IV‘ card on November 22 in Riyadh. But it goes without saying. In light of Canelo’s loss to Crawford, many fans contemplate a matchup with David Benavidez, who had been chasing it for years. Is there a way to claim it back?

From super middleweight’s undisputed title holder, Canelo Alvarez has transitioned to WBC’s number one-ranked contender.

Final push: Canelo’s race for the throne

So that puts him in a tricky situation. He could follow Terence Crawford to give him a rematch. But one should remember, it entirely depends on the Nebraskan champion. The contract for their September 13 fight didn’t carry the rematch clause. Hence, the prospects of a second fight appear daunting.

A longer and perhaps more obvious route could be to initiate a face-off against the second-tier names, such as interim champion Jose Resendiz or, more significantly, Christian M’billi. A win or two would make for a compelling argument to invite Crawford for a second round.

The three-division undisputed champion remains uncertain about the future. So it makes the likelihood of a rematch slim.

In the meantime, fans can only hope for David Benavidez to reflect on his stance. After November’s title defense, opting for the trilogy fight with Beterbiev, if Dmitry Bivol fails to comply with his title unification bid, Canelo still remains one good option for Benavidez. After all, his recent opponent, David Morrell Jr., has already hinted at a move down the division.

What’s your take? Do you still want to see the Benavidez-Canelo fight? Or should Benavidez continue to chase glory at 175 pounds?