David Benavidez sends warning to Canelo Alvarez after settling grudge with Plant

Canelo still has unfinished business with Dmitry Bivol, having stepped up to light-heavyweight last year only to be comprehensively beaten by the Russian.

Benavidez is desperate to fight the Mexican superstar later this year, insisting it is the biggest fight left available in the 168lbs division.

‘I have a lot of respect for Canelo Alvarez, but he has to give me that shot now,’ Benavidez said. That’s what everybody wants to see, me vs Canelo, let’s make it happen in September.’

He added in a press conference: ‘I want to prove myself, Canelo has proved himself, he needs to give me the opportunity.

‘It’s not I’m begging him or something, I have been mandatory for the past two fights so it is something I have earned. I showed in this fight I deserved to be in there.

‘I know I can get better but I feel the only fight people want to see at super-middleweight is me versus Canelo so let’s give it to then.’

Plant, who fought and lost to Canelo in November 2021, congratulated rival Benavidez after the victory following a heated build-up to their bout.

‘David is a hell of a fighter,’ Plant said. ‘It’s a big rivalry, but that’s what boxing is all about. We came here and settled it like men. I take nothing from David. We haven’t been the best of friends, but we got into the ring and we settled it like men. That’s what you’re supposed to do.”

Plant suffered a cut above his right eye following an accidental clash of heads during the eighth round.

‘I got a head-butt, but it’s no excuse,’ Plant said. ‘David was the better man tonight and I take nothing from him. Congratulations to him and his family.’

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