CANELO ALVAREZ is widely regarded as one of boxing’s greatest fighters of the modern era but his decision to not face David Benavidez continues to be questioned.
Three months ago the 34-year-old notched up his 61st win in 65 bouts beating his fellow Mexican Jaime Munguia on points to retain his undisputed super-middleweight title. Next month at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas Canelo takes on Puerto Rico challenger Edgar Berlanga in a fight he is expected to win convincingly.
Despite being stripped of his IBF title Alvarez is still the number one at 168lbs. Benavidez was seen as the heir to the throne before moving to light-heavyweight. The 27-year-old made a successful debut at 175lbs defeating Oleksandr Gvozdyk in June. And while Canelo and Benavidez have been linked to a fight against one another the possibility of it happening has always remained unlikely.
One man who is in the running is former two-weight undisputed champion and current WBA super-welterweight champion Terence Crawford. The American won the title on Saturday night beating Israil Madrimov on points. Benavidez’s father Jose Benavidez Sr watched on at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles and spoke to Boxing News afterwards.
“Well, you know, it was a good fight,” he said. “There was not a lot of action because both of them had a lot of experience. At the end of the day, Terence Crawford had the job done.”
Asked if Canelo was avoiding a fight against his son, he replied: “Of course. He’s asking for $200 million. That tells you that he’s avoiding David Benavidez.”
Benavidez Sr then gave an update on when we might see the WBC Interim light-heavyweight belt holder back in the ring.
“We’re working to see maybe in November, we’ll get him another fight. We’re going to keep him busy and get the fight with Benavidez and [Dmitry] Bivol.”