David Benavidez now seems unlikely to fight fellow former super middleweight champion Caleb Plant in September this year.
Benavidez and Plant have entertained the idea of a bout on social media, but Jose Benavidez Sr., David’s father, said on Instagram that a proposed deal has been rejected. Benavidez is scheduled to fight David Lemieux for the WBC interim championship on May 21.
"Team Benavidez has reached out to Team Plant and unfortunately, Caleb Plant has declined to fight David Benavidez September 2022,” claimed the elder Benavidez. “David is willing to make the best fights happen for the fans, but unfortunately the fighters who the fans want to see, do not want to fight @benavidez300.
“We will continue to prepare hard for his upcoming fight on May 21st against David Lemieux Interim WBC World Super Middleweight Title.”
Plant fought last year against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez as the Mexican completed his collection of all four belts at 168lbs, and has been looking for his next challenge.
Reports from BoxingScene.com suggest that Anthony Dirrell is the preferred option, with the 37-year-old former champion likely offering a more gentle return to action.
The website suggests that the winners of Plant vs. Dirrell and Benavidez vs. Lemieux could face each other later in the year.