David Benavidez v Jesse Hart

David Benavidez has revealed that he will meet American veteran Jesse Hart in his next outing in December.

Hart has won five times since being downed by his last notable opponent in Joe Smith Jr in 2020.

The former two-time world title challenger will now face a huge step up to try and take Benavidez's WBC interim title away from him.

But it will be a seriously uphill battle, with Benavidez in sizzling form and considered one of the biggest and brightest talents in boxing currently.

He will determined to keep his status with the WBC to earn a shot at the winner of Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol, which takes place on October 12, for the undisputed titles.

Benavidez will also be looking for a statement stoppage in his second appearance at the increased weight, to send warning signs to the winner of the clash.

The tilt taking place in December leaves the door open for his WBC title shot and gives him precious activity going into any big opportunity.

Should he win and land the undisputed shot, it could lead to even more sensational opportunities for the gifted puncher.

It would likely lead to a new pursuit of Alvarez, who has previously fought at 175lbs including in his 2022 defeat to Bivol.

The pound-for-pound superstar has previously suggested it would take a purse offer of $200million to tempt him into a mega showdown.

But Benavidez believes he may be able to secure the fight if he is to pick up all the marbles at 175lbs.

“Canelo, he says that I can’t offer him nothing," Benavidez said.

"I think Canelo’s a great fighter. I believe in myself. I believe I can beat the s*** out of him.

"Now, if I have all four major world titles at 175, in my head that’s the only way the fight’s gonna happen.

"I’m already number one in line to fight for all four belts at 175 against the winner of Beterbiev-Bivol.

"I win all four belts, it’d be a great fight and maybe we could do a catchweight, you can put the 168 pound belts, I can put the 175 pound belts and we can fight together, winner take all.”

https://talksport.com/boxing/2089203...david-morrell/

Not completely mad at it. Hart has been serviceable and imo beat Zurdo second time around albeit in a completely different division and what seems like 100 years ago. Benavidez sits as the interim champ and has voiced all willingness and promise of facing the Bivol v Beterbiev winner. But I'd prefer a top 10 guy for anyone in an interim or title scenario. This is a literal stay busy, and I also am completely convinced that Canelo will not go on to face Bivol should Bivol win. He'll talk it up, again, but Canelo isn't going into that rematch in the twilight of his coasting career. Not happening. Crazy thing is Hart up until a few days ago was insistent that he's not fighting Benavidez. Maybe he just hasn't been informed yet or maybe it's just a feint to something with more meat on it :-X.