Canelo Alvarez, the undisputed super-middleweight champion, has made a bold statement, ruling out a potential showdown with David Benavidez, the three-weight world champion. In an interview with Inside The Ring, Canelo expressed his disinterest in facing Benavidez, citing a combination of strategic and personal reasons.
Canelo's recent loss to Terence Crawford has left him seeking to reclaim his super-middleweight title, which is now fragmented. His upcoming bout against Christian Mbilli in October is a step in that direction. However, the prospect of a Canelo-Benavidez fight has been a topic of speculation, especially given Benavidez's impressive record of 32-0 and his current dominance in the light heavyweight division.
But Canelo sees through the potential payday, stating, 'Every fight he is calling me out, always looking for the payday. There is a reason they are always calling me out.' He believes that Benavidez's interest in the fight is primarily driven by financial motives, rather than a genuine desire to challenge for the undisputed title.
The weight difference between the two fighters is a significant factor. Canelo, who has fought at various weight classes, emphasizes the impracticality of a fight at Benavidez's current weight. He says, 'When we were both at 168, I fought every champion in the division. I said to myself why did he never fight those champions? Then if he was a champion at that point I would fight him because my goal was being undisputed, right now it is impossible.'
Benavidez's next move is now in question. With the Canelo fight off the table, he is likely to face WBC cruiserweight champion Noel Mikaelian, aiming to become a three-belt unified champion. This decision highlights the strategic considerations that go into the planning of high-profile boxing matches.
In my opinion, Canelo's decision to rule out the Benavidez fight is a strategic move, ensuring he focuses on his immediate goals. It also highlights the complex dynamics within the boxing world, where personal goals, financial incentives, and strategic considerations often intertwine. What makes this particularly fascinating is the insight it provides into the mindset of top boxers and the intricate strategies they employ to navigate their careers.
