David Benavidez reveals the day he will fight Canelo without 200 million dollars.

David Benavidez, one of the most promising stars in boxing, is in the final stages of preparation for one of the most important fights of his career. Scheduled to face David Morrell on February 1 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, this fight holds significant stakes in the super middleweight division.

A Critical Step Towards Championship Glory

The winner of the Benavidez vs Morrell fight will earn the coveted position of the next challenger for the undisputed light-heavyweight championship. This title is currently contested by two Russian powerhouses, Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, who are set for a rematch three weeks later in Saudi Arabia. The outcome of both fights will shape the future landscape of the division.

For Benavidez, this bout is not just another step toward greatness but also a continuation of his pursuit of a dream fight with Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, the reigning super middleweight champion. However, the road to facing Canelo has been fraught with challenges, including financial negotiations that saw the initially projected $200 million purse drop to $150 million.

The Day Benavidez Almost Fought Canelo

In a candid interview with Steven Cureno III on ‘KOArtist Sports,’ David Benavidez revealed that there was a time when he was on the verge of facing Canelo Alvarez in the ring. Cureno asked about a moment in the past when Benavidez was rumored to fight Canelo, only for the matchup to fall apart. Instead, Canelo went on to fight Gennady ‘Triple G’ Golovkin.

Benavidez recounted, “There was a moment when it seemed like I was going to fight Canelo, but things didn’t work out. Instead, he ended up fighting Golovkin.”

Reflecting on the situation, Benavidez admitted that he made what he considers the “smartest decision in history” by avoiding a premature showdown with Canelo Alvarez. At the time, he was a teenager honing his skills and seeking sparring opportunities with elite fighters. He explained, “If I had trained with Canelo Alvarez before the fight, I might have revealed everything to Golovkin.”

Learning from Legends

During the same period, David Benavidez participated in training sessions with Gennady Golovkin, a key figure in one of boxing’s most iconic trilogies with Canelo from 2017 to 2022. Benavidez used these sessions as opportunities to sharpen his craft and learn from one of the sport’s most seasoned fighters.

Benavidez’s decision to avoid sparring with Canelo proved to be a strategic move that allowed him to maintain an element of surprise and continue developing without exposing his skills prematurely. He has since risen through the ranks to become one of the most feared contenders in the division, earning the nickname “The Mexican Monster.”

The Future of Benavidez vs Canelo

Despite years of anticipation, David Benavidez acknowledged that a fight with Canelo Alvarez outside of official competition may never happen. However, he remains focused on securing a future title shot through his performance against Morrell and beyond.

When asked about the potential clash with Canelo, Benavidez emphasized his determination to focus on the challenges at hand. “Right now, I’m focused 100 percent on February 1. After that, we can talk about fighting for all the belts in the light-heavyweight division,” he said.

A Fight for the Ages

As the February 1 showdown approaches, David Benavidez is poised to prove why he deserves a spot among boxing’s elite. His journey, marked by smart decisions and relentless dedication, has positioned him as a serious threat to champions like Canelo Alvarez.

While the dream fight with Canelo remains elusive, Benavidez’s career trajectory suggests that it’s only a matter of time before he claims his place at the pinnacle of the sport. For now, all eyes are on his battle with David Morrell, a fight that could redefine the path to boxing greatness in 2025.