Juan Manuel Marquez has called on the WBC to call the mandatory between Canelo Alvarez and David Benavidez.
Canelo is the current Undisputed Super Middleweight Champion, having defended his titles successfully against Jermell Charlo in his last fight. The American moved up two weight classes but came up short in a one-sided fight. The victory was expected, so it did not demonstrate Canelo’s current form. Benavidez, however, has been facing tough opposition.
In his last two fights, he beat former world champions. He secured a victory over the former IBF Super Middleweight Champion Caleb Plant. A win over Demetrius Andrade, a two-weight world champion, followed. That kept Benavidez’s position as the Super Middleweight Interim Champion. Despite having had the position for over a year, the mandatory has not been ordered.
Instead, Canelo has been linked with fights against Jermall Charlo and Jaime Munguia. Charlo is a partial 168-pounder, much like his brother Jermell. He is the current WBC Middleweight Champion, who returned to the ring after more than two years out with mental health issues. Although he beat Jose Benavidez Jr., the latter is a 154-pounder. Munguia may be an undefeated Mexican, but Benavidez is the fight on everyone’s lips. Now, Marquez has called on the WBC to make it happen.
Canelo Vs. Benavidez
“I do want to hear anything else. Benavidez has been waiting over a year and a half to be an official challenger. Please, tell us how long Benavidez has to wait for a world championship fight. Whether it’s Canelo or not, he must get that fight. I know it’s possible that Canelo says, ‘I don’t want to fight him.’ But we need to know what will happen if, at that moment, Canelo does not want to fight Benavidez,” Marquez said
Despite this, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman has taken a different view. Given the magnitude of the fight, he urged those demanding the bout to have patience. He pointed out how the fight is much bigger now than before. This was due to Benavidez’s progression since he first became mandatory.
The Mexican Monster has been fighting the big names besides Canelo, strengthening his claims that he will finally get a title shot. With Cinco De Mayo Weekend and Mexican Independence Day available as possible dates, Sulaiman was confident it would eventually get over the line. His following comments confirmed as much.
Sulaiman Responds
“A year and a half ago, Benavidez is not what Benavidez is today; a year and a half ago, Benavidez would not have been worth what he will be worth when he eventually fights Canelo. So I ask you to be a little open in understanding.
“No rules have been broken, and no one has been hurt. The delay has benefited Benavidez in a very important way in this case. “Benavidez’s official challenger date is March. According to the regular calendars, the next fight [for Canelo] is scheduled for May [Cinco de Mayo],” Sulaiman stated
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