Lampley: "Benavidez Can Contend for the Heavyweight Championship"

Legendary American commentator Jim Lampley, in comments to Fight Hub TV, stated that Saul Alvarez's ability to take a punch could fail in a potential fight against David Benavidez. Moreover, Benavidez himself could become a contender for the title even in the heavyweight division.

"Most people in boxing don't think Canelo is risking anything in a fight against Jaime Munguia because they don't believe Munguia has enough skills to actually reach Alvarez. But they believe Benavidez has the skills to do so. And, if Benavidez does step into the ring against Canelo and beats him, Alvarez's chin may not even matter. Because Benavidez has epic power. He has that kind of strength that sends you to sleep wondering, 'Oh my God, where have I seen this before?' He dominated Demetrius Andrade. Tore him apart. Walking away from the arena that night, I was thinking, 'Where have I seen such explosive power that David Benavidez just demonstrated?' Lennox Lewis. Mike Tyson. These are the fighters who showed similar power. By the way, there's a good chance that David Benavidez will reach heavyweight throughout his career. And become the first, excuse me, Andy Ruiz, the first serious and significant American-Mexican contender for the championship in the heavyweight division. Such a person will be the biggest economic entity in boxing. This opportunity really could arise for Benavidez if he directs his career the right way," said Lampley.

David Benavidez is the current "interim" WBC champion in the super middleweight division (up to 76.2 kg). His next fight will be in the light heavyweight division (up to 79.4 kg) against Oleksandr Gvozdyk for the same title - interim WBC champion. Previously, Benavidez stated he is not sure that a fight against the undisputed super middleweight champion Saul Alvarez will ever happen.