Recently, former unified world heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr. (35-2, 22 KOs), of Mexican-American heritage, commented to the media that David Benavídez’s (29-0, 24 KOs) fight against Caleb Plant (20-2, 16 KOs) last Sunday was a good one, and that Benavídez can succeed either at super middleweight or remain at light heavyweight.
Andy Ruiz Jr. said: “I started watching the fight from the fourth round. David Benavídez did his job. Plant was strong with his sharp jabs, but Benavídez adapted quickly to his style. Should Benavídez go back down to 168 pounds or stay at 175? I think he can do well in either division. It was a great experience for him against Plant, who is a tough opponent. But Benavídez did what he had to do, and most importantly, he got the victory.”
David Benavídez is now likely to return to the super middleweight division to pursue the WBC title. Canelo Álvarez (61-2-2, 39 KOs) has decided to face IBF mandatory challenger William Zepeda (22-0, 9 KOs), which means Benavídez is expected to vie for the vacant WBC championship belt.