In the high-stakes world of professional boxing, every decision a champion makes is scrutinized, and Canelo Alvarez (60-2-2, 39 KOs) is no stranger to such a notion.
The Mexican boxing icon and the undisputed super middleweight champion of the world, is recently bombarded with just one question from the fandom: why isn’t he stepping into the ring with champion David Benavidez?
David Benavidez: The elephant in the room
David Benavidez, a formidable contender, is constantly making waves in the super middleweight division. With an impressive record of 28 wins (24 by knockout) and no losses, The former two-time WBC champ and the reigning interim champion of the council poses a legitimate threat to anyone in his weight class. His aggressive style, power punches, and hunger for success have caught the attention of fans and pundits alike.
Canelo’s next bout is scheduled for May 4 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, facing his fellow countryman Jaime Munguia, with both fighters set to clash at 168 pounds for Canelo’s undisputed super middleweight title. The fight will be streamed live on DAZN, co-promoted by Premier Boxing Champions, Canelo, and Golden Boy.
But the elephant in the room looms large—what about David Benavidez? So when Michael Benson of TalkSport asked Canelo about the accusations of “ducking” Benavidez, the response was crystal clear from the champion: fighting and beating Benavidez would only generate the same question regarding another boxer.
“Yeah it always happens – Erislandy Lara, Austin Trout, Floyd Mayweather, Miguel Cotto, Gennady Golovkin, Daniel Jacobs, Callum Smith, Billy Joe Saunders,” Canelo told Benson. “At the end of the day, I beat practically all of them. If I beat Benavidez, they’re gonna say, ‘Oh, why don’t you face this other guy?’ Look at my history, I’ve done everything in boxing. I’ve done it all.”
Canelo Alvarez on suggestions he’s ‘ducking’ David Benavidez: “Yeah it always happens – Erislandy Lara, Austin Trout, Floyd Mayweather, Miguel Cotto, Gennady Golovkin, Daniel Jacobs, Callum Smith, Billy Joe Saunders. At the end of the day, I beat practically all of them. If I…
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) March 12, 2024
Canelo Alvarez vs. David Benavidez- would it live up to the hype?
Canelo’s point is clear: Champions like him will always have challengers vying for a piece of their success. It’s reminiscent of Floyd Mayweather, who faced criticism for not fighting Antonio Margarito during his prime. In hindsight, that fight might not have been as competitive as expected. Similarly, the Canelo-Benavidez matchup might not live up to the hype if it ever happens.
Instead, Canelo chose to face Munguia, an undefeated fighter with a 43-0 record and 34 knockouts. Standing at 6 feet tall, Munguia has outgrown the 154-pound and 160-pound weight classes and seems better suited for 168 pounds- where he registered back to back wins over Sergiy Derevyanchenko and John Ryder. His boxing skills, speed, and accuracy are commendable, but most still consider Canelo the favorite.
Benavidez, on the other hand, remains a looming threat. If he ever gets a shot at Canelo, the dynamics could change. But for now, Canelo’s decision to face Munguia appears to be a calculated risk-reward choice.
In the end, whether it’s Benavidez or another challenger, Canelo’s legacy will be defined by the opponents he faces and the battles he wins. And as the countdown to May 4 begins, the boxing world holds its breath, wondering what surprises await in the ring.
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