David Benavidez Questions If Canelo Is Running From a Fight
A matchup boxing observers would love to witness is a battle between reigning undisputed super middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (59-2-2, 39 KOs) and two-time WBC champion David “The Mexican Monster” Benavidez (27-0, 23 KOs). But it’s a matchup that will not happen, at least in 2023. That has left Benavidez questioning the 168-pound champion.
WHAT’S THE DEAL?
Following a win over the former IBF super middleweight champion in March 2023, Benavidez called for a fight with Alvarez. Discussions took place between the two camps. But during a conversation with 3kingsboxing.com, Benavidez’s promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, said it’s a no-go for this year. That prompted Benavidez to leave this following message for Alvarez on social media:
Discussions took place between Lewkowicz and Eddy Reynoso, the manager and trainer to Canelo Alvarez. Lewkowicz reportedly made an offer of $50 million to Alvarez for a fight with Benavidez in September 2023. But the Benavidez camp grew frustrated at the lack of progress during negotiations. Team Benavidez has decided to move on and pursue other options.
Word on the street is that Alvarez is pondering a fight with either WBC middleweight champion Jermall Charlo or WBC cruiserweight champion Badou Jack. A contest with Charlo at 168 is a good matchup. Alvarez would be attempting to win a world title in a fifth weight division were he to face Jack at cruiserweight. But at this stage, The Mexican Monster has earned a shot at Alvarez more than Charlo or Jack.
Several boxing observers believe Canelo doesn’t want any part of Benavidez in the ring. Alvarez previously claimed that Benavidez is not a big enough name and has not done enough to warrant a fight against him. That is no longer the case. Whether it’s fear or genuine disinterest, it’s disappointing that Alvarez has continually thumbed his nose at Benavidez.
