David Benavidez has no plans to leave the super middleweight divisions and instead has his sights on the biggest names at 168lbs.
The 25-year-old has twice been WBC champion but on each occasion the American has lost the belt out of the ring, and he is attempting another title-winning comeback when he faces former IBF middleweight champion David Lemieux for the WBC interim championship on Saturday.
Winning the belt would earn Benavidez a mandatory designation and that could ultimately result in the governing body ordering a fight with the undisputed super middleweight champion Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.
Speaking to BoxingScene, Benavdiez explained his decision not to move up.
“I think right now it’s smart for me to stay at 168 for another two or three years, especially after I get this belt,” Benavidez said.
“I feel like it will be smarter for me to stick around and get these fights that I want. “Once I get this belt, I’ll have more leverage to make these fights happen. So, until I get Caleb Plant or [Jermall] Charlo, Boo Boo Andrade or Canelo, I don’t see myself leaving this weight class.”
Benavidez is keen to make up for lost time and is leaving nothing to chance ahead of the weekend’s bout.
“Since I missed weight that one time, I’ve been more on top of my weight going into training camp,” claimed Benavidez.
“I’ve given myself a lot of time in this training camp to prepare. By the time I’m done, it will have been four months and two weeks. I’ve given myself a lot of time to get ready for this fight even before training camp.
“Weight is great, I’m drinking a lot of water and staying hydrated. Everything has been good. If I had to make weight a week ago, I could’ve easily gotten to 168. Everything has been right on track.”