Abel Sanchez knows David Benavidez better than most. As a 16-year-old, Benavidez went up to Sanchez’s now sold gym, Big Bear, and sparred with Gennadiy Golovkin.
At the time, Golovkin was already a seasoned pro, a world champion, and just a violent fighter. Normally, the former unified middleweight champ would handle his sparring partners with relative ease. In the case of Benavidez, however, he held his own.
Sanchez saw something special in Benavidez and so far, he’s been correct. Just recently, he picked up arguably the biggest win of his career.
Demetrius Andrade, last Saturday night, strolled to the ring feeling buoyant and confident as ever. Roughly 18 minutes later, he had a look of worry etched on his face and blood dripping out of his mouth. As he sat on his stool, eyes puffy and barely able to see, Andrade remained there, unable to push himself out there for another beating.
Now, Benavidez is hoping that Canelo Alvarez will pick up the phone and give him a ring. If he doesn’t, Jermall Charlo could become his next best option. The pugnacious middleweight belt holder ended a 30-month layoff on the undercard of Benavidez vs. Andrade by winning a lopsided decision over Jose Benavidez Jr., the older brother of David.
It’s all hypothetical and wishful thinking at this point but Sanchez wouldn’t mind seeing it. In terms of how it would play out, Sanchez reveres Charlo. He considers him a great fighter and one of the best boxers in the world. However, Sanchez doesn’t like being disingenuous. Meaning, he doesn’t give Charlo a shot in hell at actually pulling off the upset.
“I think so,” Sanchez told Fight Hub TV during a recent sit-down interview when asked if Benavidez beats Charlo. “I think it’s three or four more rounds than the Demetrius fight but I think this David is too much for Jermall.”