The WBC super midleweight champion David Benavidez believed Saul “Canelo” Alvarez has no interest in fighting him later down the line.
Benabidez looked to Canelo to fight him when he was still reigning at 168 pounds, but never got an answer. They then kept looking for Eddy Reynoso, but he was never interested in the fight.
Canelo defended his WBA, WBC and The Ring super middleweight titles with a victory over Avni Yildirim on Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
“I don’t know if Canelo is avoiding me. He has never mentioned my name. He talks about everyone, except me,” Benabidez said.
“If I won the mandatory, as I will, I feel that even Canelo will not give me the opportunity. I think he will probably vacate the title or do something like that.
“I would love to fight Canelo to prove to the world that I am the best, but honestly I don’t think I will ever accept the fight,” Benavidez added.
Benavidez is undefeated in 23 matches, with 20 of them won by knockout. His last fight took place on August 15, 2020 against Roamer Alexis Angulo.
Two-time world champion will return to the ring on March 13, to face Ronald Ellis, in the semifinals of the tournament organised by the WBC to determine the contender for the title.
“When I had the title, I look for all the champions before me. Some will say that I am desperate for him to fight and it is not true. I am eager to show everyone that I am the best.” Benavidez said.
Benavidez made his pro debut at age 16 and became the youngest 168-pound world champion in the sport’s history.