Benavidez throws down the gauntlet: “Canelo, what’s the problem?”

David Benavidez continues to push for a long-awaited clash with Saúl ‘Canelo’ Álvarez, despite receiving multiple rejections from the Guadalajara-born fighter. Benavidez, nicknamed ‘Red Flag,’ recently claimed the WBC light heavyweight title (175 lbs) after Dmitry Bivol unexpectedly vacated the belt. Bivol’s exit cleared the path for Benavidez, who had been the mandatory challenger.

Appearing on the podcast Pound 4 Pound with Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo, Benavidez was once again asked about the possibility of facing Canelo.

“If Canelo fights me today, it’d probably be the biggest fight of his career,” he said. “That would be the biggest payday he’s ever had.”

For now, Canelo is set to fight Terence Crawford (41-0) on September 13. Meanwhile, Benavidez – also known as the ‘Mexican Monster’ – has yet to name his next opponent, though Callum Smith (31-2) or Anthony Yarde (27-3) have both been floated as possibilities.

During the podcast, Benavidez renewed his challenge, urging Canelo to accept the fight:

“If I’m such a bad fighter and you think you can beat me easily, and I’m nobody – then why don’t you come and do it? Earn people’s respect and take home a good paycheck. What’s the problem?”

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