Eddie Hearn Gives David Benavidez the Playbook for Landing Canelo Fight
A much-debated topic on social media and fight message boards is whether there will ever be a fight between undisputed super middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (58-2-2, 29 KOs) and two-time WBC 168-pound champion David “The Red Flag” Benavidez (26-0, 23 KOs). There are fans who believe that Alvarez is hesitant to face Benavidez. According to promoter Eddie Hearn, that accusation is rubbish.
TALK IS CHEAP
When asked about Alvarez’s interest in fighting Benavidez by media source Fight Hub TV, the man behind Matchroom Promotions said the following:
“He don’t give a fuck who you put in front of him! [. . .] He also feels like, if you don’t force your mandatory position, you have to earn your fight in some way. You have to have a belt, you have to have a big win, and I think Saul acknowledges that victory over Caleb Plant would give him shouting rights to say ‘me’.
“It’s never been Benavidez’s fault. His resume is awful for a fighter of his ability, awful. He wanted the big fights, and they’ve delivered a great fight for him. If he wins that fight, I think he should start calling out Canelo Alvarez.”
EXCUSES ARE RUNNING OUT
Benavidez is the reigning WBC Interim super middleweight champion. He’s set to face one-time IBF champion Caleb Plant on March 25. The bout is a final eliminator to determine the WBC mandatory challenger.
Hearn’s sentiments about Benavidez’s resume echo what Alvarez has said about the reigning Interim champion. In previous interviews, the redhead has said that Benavidez has not done enough to deserve such an opportunity.
But if Benavidez defeats Plant, it’s the signature win that would more than justify Benavidez getting a fight with Alvarez. He would also be Alvarez’s WBC mandatory. The rationale for Alvarez to not fight Benavidez would be thin should that scenario play out.
Alvarez returns to the ring on May 6 to face WBO mandatory John Ryder. After that, the assumption is that Alvarez will fight a rematch against reigning WBA champion Dmitry Bivol, but Benavidez is lurking in the shadows. Whether the fight ever happens sits largely at the feet of Alvarez.
