David Benavidez has earmarked David Morrell Jr. as a future opponent if a fight with Canelo Alvarez cannot be made.
Benavidez has been the WBC mandatory for over a year at 168. However, a fight with Alvarez has proved problematic. Following Canelo’s three-fight deal with the PBC, there were hopes that the Mexican would face Benavidez since they were both under the PBC banner. However, Alvarez chose to face Jermell Charlo instead, who was ultimately a 154-pounder moving up to 168 in a fairly uncompetitive fight. Although Benavidez is now preparing to face Demetrius Andrade on November 25th, 2023, there are reports that Alvarez could face Jaime Munguia. And even if that bout would be a battle between two undefeated Mexicans, Benavidez was still chasing a bout with Alvarez.
“I think it is a competitive fight because Munguia, you can say what you want about him, but he has heart. He’s going to keep fighting until he gets knocked out or the fight ends. So, it’s going to be a good fight. I think it’s going to be a little tougher than people think it’s going to be for Canelo because Munguia is a tough guy. He just keeps coming back, but ultimately, Canelo stops him with a body shot,” Benavidez
Nevertheless, the same report alleged that Alvarez may face Benavidez in the summer, provided he came through Munguia. But given that Benavidez has expressed his desire to move up to 175 pounds in the near future, the time for a Canelo fight is running out. With that being said, Benavidez has targeted Morrell Jr. if a Canelo fight fails. Morrell Jr. is undefeated with nine wins, with eight by way of knockout. And prior to Benavidez facing Andrade, there were reports linking the Mexican Monster with Morrell. And that could play out moving forward.
“If that fight [Canelo] doesn’t happen, then I’m going to fight David Morrell and then just try to pick up another belt because my end goal is to try and get all four belts,” Benavidez