David Benavidez could belong at cruiserweight bodily, however staying there leaves fights with Canelo Alvarez, Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev behind. His consolation at 200 kilos comes with a industrial problem: discovering opponents who deliver comparable recognition and curiosity.
“No, [I am not returning to light-heavyweight]. I really feel nice at this weight-class, I don’t should drop extra pounds, I’ve by no means felt pretty much as good as I did for my final struggle [against Ramirez]. So, I wish to be the reigning champion for an extended, very long time,” Benavidez advised The Ring’s Mike Coppinger.
There’s little purpose to insist {that a} fighter of Benavidez’s dimension maintain draining himself to pursue opponents in lighter divisions. His stoppage victory over Gilberto Ramirez demonstrated what he might accomplish at cruiserweight. Feeling stronger there’s a official purpose to remain.
The obtainable points of interest are one other query. Jai Opetaia affords a severe sporting problem, however he has but to change into a serious crossover attraction in america. Benavidez might pursue the main cruiserweights and gather championships whereas remaining the fighter largely answerable for promoting these occasions.
Canelo supplied a far totally different industrial alternative. Their struggle did not occur when each competed at tremendous middleweight, and Benavidez’s current dimension doesn’t clarify away that missed window. Staying at 200 now makes reviving it more and more unrealistic.
Bivol and Beterbiev represented unfinished enterprise at gentle heavyweight. Remaining at cruiserweight places these fights past attain except certainly one of them strikes up. Benavidez can fairly prioritize his bodily situation whereas nonetheless acknowledging what disappears from his potential schedule.
Heavyweight might finally present extra recognizable opponents, however it might introduce considerably totally different dangers. Being massive at cruiserweight doesn’t set up that Benavidez might impose his combos on a heavyweight with Filip Hrgovic’s attain, energy and punching energy.
For now, Benavidez has chosen a division the place he feels snug and may pursue significant championships. The problem is popping these achievements into main occasions. Cruiserweight affords credible opposition, however few established attracts to interchange the three names he by no means fought.
