David Benavidez has no interest in super middleweight showdown with Terence Crawford: 'I'm done at 168'

Benavidez, who relinquished his ambitions at super middleweight due to repeated failed attempts to secure a fight with Saul "Canelo" Alvarez, has explicitly stated that he has no intention of returning to the weight class, even with Alvarez’s recent loss to Crawford and subsequent sidelining due to elbow surgery. This declaration comes despite Crawford’s comprehensive victory on September 13, which saw him capture all four major super middleweight world titles, previously held by Alvarez.

"I’m done with [super middleweight]," Benavidez told Fight Hub TV. "I want to take this opportunity to congratulate Crawford. He put on a hell of a performance. He’s up there on the Mount Rushmore of the greatest fighters of all time. Let Crawford do his thing, bro. At the end of the day, I have no interest in fighting Crawford. I have no interest in going down to 168. Yeah, it would be dope winning all the titles, but I’m way past that at 168. I wouldn’t even go down to 168 for Canelo. I’m just being real with you."

Benavidez’s decision underscores a commitment to his current trajectory at light heavyweight, where he believes he has a greater opportunity for success and legacy building. The move to the 175-pound division was initially motivated by the perceived stagnation of his career at super middleweight, where a coveted showdown with Alvarez remained perpetually out of reach.

"I’m not saying I’m scared of Crawford or whatever. Crawford’s the man at 168. That’s his weight class. I’m done at 168. They can throw whatever money they want at me. My job is not only to get the money. My job is to give myself the best chance to win and to give myself the best chance of looking good," Benavidez added, emphasizing his focus on optimizing his chances of victory and performance quality.

Benavidez’s history at super middleweight is marked by both triumph and tribulation. He first captured the vacant WBC title in 2017 with a split-decision victory over Ronald Gavril. He then reclaimed the title in 2019 by defeating Anthony Dirrell via a ninth-round technical knockout. However, both reigns were prematurely terminated due to factors outside the ring. The first title was stripped in 2018 after Benavidez tested positive for cocaine in a Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA) administered test. His second reign ended in 2020 when he failed to make weight for his title defense against Roamer Alexis Angulo.

Despite these setbacks, Benavidez remained a formidable force in the division. He secured the interim WBC super middleweight title and defended it twice, positioning himself as a mandatory challenger for Alvarez’s unified titles. However, the anticipated clash never materialized, prompting Benavidez to seek opportunities in the light heavyweight division.

His initial foray into the 175-pound division saw him claim the WBC interim light heavyweight title with a victory over Oleksandr Gvozdyk. He then added the WBA interim title to his collection by defeating David Morrell, another fighter who had grown disillusioned with the prospects of facing Alvarez at super middleweight.

Following Dmitry Bivol’s undisputed title win against Artur Beterbiev in their highly anticipated rematch, Bivol vacated the WBC title, leading to Benavidez’s elevation from interim to full world champion status. Benavidez is scheduled to defend his newly acquired title against Anthony Yarde in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on November 22, solidifying his commitment to the light heavyweight division.

Despite his focus on the future, Benavidez expressed some lingering regret that he was not the one to dethrone Alvarez. "I kinda felt like that could’ve been me," Benavidez said. "That was my moment. If I would’ve got in there, I know I would’ve beat him. … That’s why it didn’t happen, because Canelo knows that would’ve happened."

David Benavidez’s professional record stands at 30 wins with no losses, boasting an impressive 24 knockouts, reflecting a knockout rate of 80%. His aggressive fighting style and relentless pressure have earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting fighters in the sport. His recent performances at light heavyweight have further solidified his status as a top contender in the division.

Terence Crawford’s career, marked by versatility and dominance across multiple weight classes, has cemented his legacy as one of the sport’s elite. With a record of 41 wins, no losses, and 32 knockouts, Crawford’s ability to seamlessly transition between weight classes and adapt his fighting style has consistently proven to be a significant advantage.

The current landscape of the super middleweight division is in flux following Alvarez’s loss to Crawford. Alvarez’s future plans remain uncertain due to the need for elbow surgery, leaving the division open for new contenders to emerge. Crawford’s next move will be closely watched, with potential matchups against other top super middleweights and even a possible return to welterweight being speculated.

The light heavyweight division, meanwhile, is experiencing a resurgence of talent, with Benavidez at the forefront. His upcoming fight against Anthony Yarde will be a significant test of his credentials as a world champion and a potential stepping stone towards even bigger fights in the future. The division also boasts other notable fighters such as Artur Beterbiev, Dmitry Bivol, and Joshua Buatsi, promising a series of compelling matchups in the coming years.

The implications of Benavidez’s decision to remain at light heavyweight extend beyond his individual career. It potentially alters the dynamics of both the super middleweight and light heavyweight divisions. Crawford’s options at super middleweight are now more focused on other contenders, while Benavidez’s presence at light heavyweight adds another layer of complexity to an already competitive landscape.

Ultimately, Benavidez’s choice underscores the strategic considerations that fighters must weigh when navigating their careers. The decision to move up or down in weight is not solely based on potential earnings but also on the perceived likelihood of success and the pursuit of a lasting legacy. For Benavidez, the opportunity to establish himself as a dominant force at light heavyweight outweighs the allure of reclaiming titles at super middleweight.