David Benavidez Prepares for Title Defense
In the bustling venue of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, David Benavidez gears up to defend his WBC light heavyweight title for the first time against the UK’s Anthony Yarde this Saturday. Despite being just 28 years old, the fighter, known as the “Mexican Monster,” has been making waves in boxing, gaining a reputation as one of the sport’s most electrifying figures. His aspirations are ambitious—he aims to capture all three major titles in the 175-pound weight class before eventually moving up to cruiserweight.
Meanwhile, Benavidez has been pursuing a coveted match against Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, a bout that seems perpetually out of reach. However, he shows no signs of waiting idly, instead focusing on what’s in front of him as he builds his path to the pinnacle of boxing.
Training and Mindset
Leading up to the bout, Benavidez spoke with ESPN’s James Regan about his preparations and mindset.
“I’ve trained harder for this fight than any other in my career. My opponents are always improving, and I have to respect that; it’s vital for my preparation,”
he emphasized. With five months of rigorous training behind him, he has logged extensive sparring sessions and significant mileage in running, ensuring he is in peak condition.
Benavidez recognizes the challenge Yarde presents.
“I’ve monitored him for a while now; he possesses impressive skills. This fight has the potential to be exhilarating from the opening bell,”
he stated, affirming that he is well-prepared for what lies ahead. With a style that consistently seeks action, he is not intimidated by powerful adversaries who face him head-on.
Influences and Aspirations
Reflecting on his boxing influences, the youthful champion cites legendary fighters such as Manny Pacquiao, Mike Tyson, and Roberto Duran as inspirations. He recalls the electrifying atmosphere created during family barbecues when these fighters were on screen, noting that the excitement surrounding their bouts is precisely the kind of engagement he wants to foster in his own career. He seeks greatness not only through accolades but also by being a fighter who commands respect from peers and fans alike.
Benavidez expresses a fervent wish to unify the light heavyweight division, a goal that was disrupted during his tenure in the super middleweight category.
“If given the chance to fight for all the belts, I would have been the undisputed champion there,”
he pointed out. His vision includes winning every title in his current weight class, moving up to cruiserweight, and continuing to earn the respect of both fans and fellow athletes.
Role Model and Future Goals
Moreover, Benavidez aspires to be a positive role model for future generations—he wants to demonstrate to his children and young aspiring athletes the virtues of hard work and determination. As for a potential clash with Canelo, he remains hopeful but acknowledges the unpredictable nature of negotiations, believing that as he continues to perform and accumulate titles, interest in their potential matchup will only grow.
“I’m ready whenever; it’s a fight that I believe should happen, but I can only control my end of things,”
he concluded, underscoring his commitment to pursuing excellence in and out of the ring.
