Sampson Lewkowicz Says Canelo Alvarez Will Not Meet David Benavidez In 2023
The hope for many boxing fans is a showdown between undisputed super middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (59-2-2, 39 KOs) and two-time WBC 168-pound champion David “The Mexican Monster” Benavidez (27-0, 23 KOs) in 2023. But According to Benavidez’s promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, that will not be the case. Lewkowicz broke the news during an interview with 3Kings Boxing.
“The fight with Canelo Alvarez is off. We’re looking for the next big fight for David Benavidez.”
A BIG LETDOWN
Benavidez has not fought since March 2023, when he captured a decision victory over former IBF super middleweight champion Caleb Plant. Following that win over Plant, The Mexican Monster called for a fight with the undisputed champion.
There were discussions between Lewkowicz and Alvarez’s manager and trainer, Eddy Reynoso. Word on the street was there was an offer on the table in which Alvarez could have made upwards of $50 million.
But it’s now clear Lewkowicz and Reynoso could not work out a deal. It’s a shame because Alvarez and Benavidez are arguably the two top fighters in the division. It would have been one of the year’s more anticipated and attractive matchups. The hope is that they could attempt to make the fight at some point in 2024. Alvarez’s next fight will likely be a rematch against the reigning WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol. What’s up next for Benavidez is unknown.
