The DAZN Boxing Show discussed the fight that David Benavidez should look to take next.
The unbeaten American retained his WBC interim super middleweight belt against former world champion Caleb Plant at the weekend with an impressive performance from both fighters.
Akin 'Ak' Reyes paid tribute to both but thought Benavidez’s conditioning allowed him to outlast his opponent.
He said: “I was trying to sum up this fight in a few words. This is a perfect example of two fighters fighting their perfect fights but one guy came out on top because one guy couldn’t sustain this perfect style to win.
“I think condition played a part in it. Body attack played a part in it. Resiliency played a part in it. It was an amazing fight in my opinion. Caleb Plant put forward his game plan early in the fight and looked phenomenal. He didn't have enough heat to keep Benavidez off him.
“Benavidez stuck to his game plan and wouldn’t waver and stood the course and eventually broke him down. Just a classic, high level fight. The boxer vs. the boxer-puncher.”
Bess concurred, saying: “There you go, the boxer-puncher. He’s not like Canelo [Alvarez] I would say because if you think about it, Canelo v Plant, Canelo only landed 16 punches more than Plant while Benavidez landed over 100 more punches than Plant and still couldn’t get him out of there. I like the way you said it, they both fought their fight perfectly for as long as they could.”
Discussing Canelo’s plans for John Ryder in May and potentially a Dmitry Bivol clash in September, Reyes suggested alternative fights.
“Benavidez is going to have to stay busy, stay active,” he continued.
“If I had to choose a fight right now because Canelo is busy, I would love to see Jermall Charlo step up to 168 and fight David Benavidez. I think that’s the most intriguing fight right now for David Benavidez.”
Bess added: “I agree. Jermall Charlo, he said I’ll take the winner or the loser. I just want a big name. That makes so much sense. I’d love to see Caleb Plant versus Jermall Charlo.
“And Benavidez, yes Canelo has a fight in May and a fight in September, already lined up. You need another fight lined up. If you can get past Charlo there’s no way you can’t get a shot at undisputed.”