First Things First: Despite all the talk of Canelo, David Benavidez only has eyes for Demetrius Andrade

DEPENDING on a boxer’s mindset, being linked with a struggle towards Saul “Canelo” Alvarez might be seen as both motivation or a distraction, notably if, earlier than reaching boxing’s premier money cow, it’s important to first overcome a unique opponent with their very own menace and ambitions.

This is the drawback – admittedly, a pleasant one to have – at present dealing with super-middleweight contender David Benavidez, who, at 27-0 (23), has emerged as a possible Alvarez opponent subsequent yr, but should first get previous Demetrius Andrade, 32-0 (19), on November 25 in Las Vegas.

Far from a routine struggle, Benavidez is aware of the hazard Andrade is prone to current and is subsequently extra decided than common to push all the talk of Canelo to the again of his thoughts.  Andrade, after all, is unbeaten in his personal proper and, though arising from middleweight, has lengthy been seen as a fighter whose hazard has led to many trying the different manner when provided the probability to struggle him. It is maybe for this motive the southpaw’s profession has thus far been one of the low-key selection and why it’s only now, at the age of 35, he’s getting his shot on the massive stage.

“This is definitely the biggest fight of my career,” mentioned Benavidez at Thursday’s (October 12) press convention. “I give Demetrius loads of props. He’s an excellent fighter and loads of individuals have been ducking him for a very long time.

“Nobody needed to provide him the alternative however now we have now come collectively and we have now the alternative to make an excellent struggle occur. These are the fights I need. I wish to make my very own lane and face the finest. Andrade is one of the finest on this weight class.

“He’s a world-class fighter and he’s not going to provide me a straightforward struggle at all. He’s hungry for the struggle in order that’s going to make for an excellent struggle and the followers are going to be the ones who win. He’s a really technical fighter. He’s a champion in two completely different weight courses (super-welterweight and middleweight). When you get a fighter like this, it’s 50-50. He’s a menace to anyone. Rather a lot of individuals wouldn’t take the struggle with him as a result of they know he’s an issue. But for me, I wish to be the finest.

“I know this isn’t going to be an easy fight but, at the end of the day, it’s going to bring the best out of me. I’m a monster for a reason.”

Key to making sure there aren’t any pre-fight distractions, one would anticipate Benavidez to proceed to talk up the menace of Andrade in the coming weeks, particularly every time the C-word is thrown at him by reporters or these whose curiosity in Benavidez vs. Andrade isn’t what it needs to be.

“I’m not worried about Canelo Alvarez,” Benavidez mentioned. “I’m worried about Demetrius Andrade. I definitely believe the winner of this fight is the best super-middleweight in the world.”