David Benavidez, the WBC super-middleweight champion, stunned followers when he publicly accused major figures in boxing of blocking his chances to face top-tier rivals. He said the sport denies fans the matchups they deserve and blamed elite fighters for choosing easier paths. Benavidez declared he wants to give fans great fights — and he insisted he has the will and ability to take them on.
Benavidez said he felt especially snubbed by Canelo Álvarez, whom he accused of seeking less demanding opponents instead of meeting him in the ring. He also named Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev as targets, but claimed neither has shown interest in fighting him. The Mexican fighter made his frustration clear: “I’m tired,” he said, explaining that he continues to chase world titles despite repeated obstacles.
He wants to show his potential to the world
According to Mundo Deportivo, to prove his point, Benavidez confirmed a bout scheduled for November 22 in Saudi Arabia against Anthony Yarde. He framed that fight as a stepping stone: a win would cement his status as a serious threat to the sport’s top champions. Benavidez emphasized that money shouldn’t be the only factor guiding matchups. He argued that promoters and wealthy fighters often take the easiest paydays, and that practice cheats fans of competitive, meaningful fights.
David Benavidez 🇺🇸 🇲🇽 envió un mensaje a todos los fanáticos y genre del boxeo que dudan de sus intenciones y capacidades dentro del cuadrilátero 🥊 🔥#Boxeo #Boxing #DavidBenavidez #AnthonyYarde #BenavidezYarde pic.twitter.com/E16qyWRoaJ
— BoxeoMundial.com (@BoxeoMundial) October 2, 2025
Benavidez practically challenged the sport’s hierarchy. He demanded that fighters and promoters stop avoiding risk and start delivering true competition. “Give boxing fans the fights they deserve,” he urged, calling for fighters to “go to war” and let the best man win. He repeated that he has no fear of any opponent and that he wants to face the very best to validate his titles.
Beyond rhetoric, Benavidez pledged to prove himself inside the ring. He promised to keep pushing for elite clashes and to use his upcoming fight as evidence that he belongs among boxing’s elite. Whether the big names respond remains uncertain, but Benavidez made one thing clear: he will keep fighting until someone accepts the challenge.