While the world eagerly awaited the long-anticipated clash between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford, David Benavidez quietly faded into the background. For a time, the calls for Canelo to test himself against ‘The Mexican Monster’ grew faint. But now that ‘Bud’ has triumphed and become the new undisputed super middleweight champion, the conversation has shifted.

With Canelo dethroned, many are asking what’s next for Crawford? Will he retire on top or continue building his legacy? Naturally, one name that immediately surfaces is David Benavidez. Though he’s currently competing at light heavyweight, Benavidez was once seen as Canelo’s most dangerous challenger at 168 pounds. However, the 28-year-old doesn’t seem particularly eager to face the pride of Omaha. 

Why is David Benavidez not interested in fighting Terence Crawford?

At first glance, it might seem like David Benavidez is ducking Terence Crawford, but the undefeated star insists he has his own reasons. “My plan is after this fight, I want to go down to 154,” Benavidez said jokingly before adding, “No,” during a chat with Marcos Villegas of Fight Hub TV. The Mexican-American boxer is scheduled to face Anthony Yarde on November 22. Regardless, he made it clear that his days at super middleweight are over.

While Benavidez isn’t interested in fighting Crawford, he didn’t shy away from praising him. “I want to take this opportunity to congratulate Crawford,” he said. “He put a hell of a performance. He’s up there in the Mount Rushmore [of] the greatest fighters of all time and you know, let Crawford do his thing, bro.” Still, it remains unclear why Benavidez would turn down what could easily be a blockbuster matchup. 

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“I have no interest of going down to 168,” he explained during the interview, offering one simple reason behind his choice. “It would be dope winning all titles, but I’m way past 68… I wouldn’t even go down to 168 for Canelo.” But then comes the real question—does Terence Crawford even want the fight?

Crawford’s trainer reveals intentions for Benavidez fight

Terence Crawford’s trainer, Brian ‘BoMac’ McIntyre, has made it clear that a fight against David Benavidez isn’t part of the plan following Crawford’s historic win over Canelo Alvarez. Speaking to Fight Hub TV, McIntyre said the team plans to take a break before deciding what’s next. “No, we ain’t doing that fight,” McIntyre said. 

“No, we’re not going to vacate the belts. We’re just going to sit where we need to sit for a minute, and then get back in the gym, and do our thing,” he added. Meanwhile, for Jarron Ennis, Crawford has already ruled out dropping back down to 154 pounds, leaving a potential rematch with Alvarez as the most likely, and lucrative, option on the table.

Having said that, no one can tell what the future holds for these fighters. Meanwhile, let us know who you think they should fight next?