WBC Grants Benavidez Two More Weeks to Decide on Weight Class

The World Boxing Council (WBC) has given current WBC super middleweight/light heavyweight interim champion David Benavídez (29-0, 24 KOs) an additional two weeks to decide whether he will return to the 168-pound division or remain at 175 pounds, according to recent media reports.

Benavídez impressively defeated former WBC light heavyweight titlist Radivoje Kalajdzic (20-2, 16 KOs) in a 12-round unanimous decision on June 16, capturing the vacant WBC light heavyweight interim title. Although there are indications that Benavídez prefers to go back to 168 pounds, he has not officially announced his decision.

The 27-year-old Benavídez is still the WBC interim champion at 168 pounds and the mandatory challenger for Canelo Álvarez (61-2-2, 39 KOs). If Benavídez chooses to return to the super middleweight division, should Álvarez decline the mandatory defense, the WBC would strip him of his world title at 168 pounds and award it to Benavídez.

Álvarez has already agreed to face IBF mandatory challenger Cuban Williams Cárdenas (22-0, 9 KOs), with a potential fight penciled in for September 14. While this match lacks significant appeal, it guarantees Álvarez a safe victory to retain his other three belts.

The competition at 175 pounds is fierce, with fighters like Bivol (23-0, 12 KOs) and Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KOs) potentially posing nightmares for Benavídez. The super middleweight division might be safer for Benavídez, but should Álvarez decline the challenge, Benavídez would lack high-profile opponents.