In the final event of boxing's run with Showtime Sports, David Benavidez punched his ticket to a unification bout against Canelo Alvarez with a sixth-round KO/TKO against Demetrius Andrade.
The bout was Andrade's first-ever loss, as a plethora of punishment ensued, forcing the referee to call the fight off.
Benavidez, who improved to 28-0 as a professional, quickly called out the legendary Guadalajara product (h/t Boxing Social).
"Just a reminder to let everybody know who the f**k the real champion at 168 is," Benavidez said in the ring afterward. "They want to see me versus Canelo, and that’s what we want too. I’m the youngest super-middleweight champion of the world, three-time world champion, just gimme the fight that we all want to see. Who wants to see David Benavidez versus Canelo? That’s what you guys wanna see? Let’s get it.”
Per WBC rules, Alvarez must face Benavidez as his next mandatory challenger. Currently, Alvarez holds all four major titles at 168, making the potential fight must-see TV in 2024.
Alvarez primarily fights on Mexican Independence Day or Cinco de Mayo weekend, so while the fight is still in its very early stages, a timetable for when it could materialize is evident.
The victory earned Benavidez the 24th KO of his career, as he out-landed Andrade 117-68 and landed 35% of his punches compared to just 26% for the challenger.
While boxing awaits 168's future, one could argue Saturday night is the revitalization of a division that was, once upon a time, one-sided.
Not anymore.
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