David Benavidez has downplayed reports he will fight David Morrell and already has a fight scheduled in for December.
‘The Monster’ has moved up to 175lbs and recently defeated Oleksandr Gvozdyk in his debut at the weight in June after so much success at super-middleweight previously.
Benavidez has dismissed a fight with Morrell and revealed the real planGetty
Reports began circulating that a fight between the unbeaten Benavidez and WBA ‘regular’ light-heavyweight champion Morrell was in the works.
Morrell recently himself made his debut at 175lbs, but Benavidez has now exclusively told talkSPORT.com that it will not be his next fight.
Instead Benavidez has revealed that he will meet American veteran Jesse Hart in his next outing in December.
Hart has won five times since being downed by his last notable opponent in Joe Smith Jr in 2020.
The former two-time world title challenger will now face a huge step up to try and take Benavidez’s WBC interim title away from him.
But it will be a seriously uphill battle, with Benavidez in sizzling form and considered one of the biggest and brightest talents in boxing currently.
He will determined to keep his status with the WBC to earn a shot at the winner of Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol, which takes place on October 12, for the undisputed titles.
Benavidez will also be looking for a statement stoppage in his second appearance at the increased weight, to send warning signs to the winner of the clash.
The tilt taking place in December leaves the door open for his WBC title shot and gives him precious activity going into any big opportunity.
Should he win and land the undisputed shot, it could lead to even more sensational opportunities for the gifted puncher.
Hart is set to be the next test for BenavidezGetty
It would likely lead to a new pursuit of Alvarez, who has previously fought at 175lbs including in his 2022 defeat to Bivol.
The pound-for-pound superstar has previously suggested it would take a purse offer of $200million to tempt him into a mega showdown.
But Benavidez believes he may be able to secure the fight if he is to pick up all the marbles at 175lbs.
“Canelo, he says that I can’t offer him nothing,” Benavidez said.
“I think Canelo’s a great fighter. I believe in myself. I believe I can beat the s*** out of him.
“Now, if I have all four major world titles at 175, in my head that’s the only way the fight’s gonna happen.
“I’m already number one in line to fight for all four belts at 175 against the winner of Beterbiev-Bivol.
“I win all four belts, it’d be a great fight and maybe we could do a catchweight, you can put the 168 pound belts, I can put the 175 pound belts and we can fight together, winner take all.”
