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via Imago

via Imago

Mixed martial arts does not put the same premium on being undefeated as boxing does. The main reason behind this is that a loss is not seen as a deal-breaker in MMA as it is in boxing. Most big names in boxing go to great lengths to protect their undefeated record, even with allegations of avoiding opponents who may defeat them.

This has led to boxing fans often being frustrated at not getting the desired matchups. Floyd Mayweather, undoubtedly among the greatest boxers ever, had long been accused of cherry-picking his opponents when he faced them. Talking on this subject, interim WBC super middleweight champion David Benavidez stated boxers should emulate UFC fighters.

David Benavidez admires MMA fighters’ courage

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Interim WBC super middleweight champion David Benavidez joined BKFC and former UFC star ‘Platinum’ Mike Perry on the latter’s podcast on YouTube. During their chat, the boxer expressed his admiration for MMA fighters to fight tough opponents and take losses in stride.

You know what, that’s why I have so much respect for, like, the UFC fighters bro. Because you’ll see somebody take a big loss and then a couple of months later, they’re right back at the top fighting for belts,” he said.

The champion felt that boxers needed to get into the same mindset of fighting the best opponents on offer and risk being defeated. He believes that a loss should not discourage boxers, and they should continue striving for the belt.

“So I feel like we the boxers should take the approach of the UFC, you know. The UFC, the MMA fighters, you know, everybody fights everybody but a loss doesn’t let anybody, like, discourage them. They’re all still going back trying to win the belt again so that’s what I do like about the UFC. I feel like the boxing should go towards you know that you know like how the UFC fighters do,” Benavidez added. And the three-time WBC champion will be hoping ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, especially, would heed this advice.

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Benavidez mandatory for Canelo Alvarez

David Benavidez finished 2023 strong with a victory over Demetrius Andrade for the WBC interim super middleweight title. With this victory, he has now officially become mandatory for superstar and champion Canelo Alvarez. After his unexpected loss to Dmitry Bivol in 2022, Alvarez has fought a bevy of hand-picked opponents.

Watch This Story: Watch: Inside the Home of Themba Gorimbo Which Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson Bought for Him

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However, he is now facing a mandatory challenge from Benavidez and will likely have to fight Benavidez this year or risk getting stripped of the undisputed title. Fellow Mexican boxing legend Maro Antonio Barrera even said in a recent interview that ‘Canelo’ needed to defeat Benavidez to get the “credibility” he deserves. Who do you think would win if Alvarez and Benavidez fought?

Read more: “I’ll Probably Go Back…”: Weeks After Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s Heartwarming Gesture, Themba Gorimbo Reveals How He Might End Up Sleeping on His Gym Couch Again