“I Don’t Need to Prove Anybody Anything”: Canelo Alvarez Rejects Mike Tyson and Ryan Garcia’s Opinion on David Benavidez Fight With Cold Response

The much-sought-after fight with David Benavidez continues to besiege Canelo Alvarez. In Las Vegas for the kick-off press conference of the title defense against Jaime Munguia, conversation with reports, as could be expected, veered off to the Benavidez clash. On May 4, the super middleweight champion will defend his undisputed title against the former light middleweight champion in an all-Mexican square-up.

Last year, Canelo Alvarez entered the ring twice. First, he defeated John Ryder, and then the Jermell Charlo rout followed. But throughout the year, there remains a persistent clamor. When is he going to fight David Benavidez? The noises gained strength when ‘The Mexican Monster’ became the WBC mandatory challenger. Unfortunately, the fight never came to fruition. One by one, names began to be crossed off the list until only one remained—that of Munguia. Under intense scrutiny, Canelo Alvarez has had to navigate through posers from prominent figures in the sport. Speaking with reporters at the kick-off press conference of the May 4 fight, he tried putting matters to rest.

Canelo Alvarez: Beyond Validation

A reporter opined that, by any stretch of the imagination, a face-off with David Benavidez makes for a great fight. So taking ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson and former stablemate Ryan Garcia’s names, he asked whether the undisputed champion felt pressure from any corner to proceed with the match.

Canelo Alvarez replied that there’s absolutely no reason for him to prove himself to anyone. He cited the instance when he went against Gennady Golovkin. Hence, he exhorted everyone to give due respect to the Jaime Munguia fight. He said, “…I don’t need to prove anybody anything because I…remember when when this happened with Golovkin and then I happened with this, so I don’t. I don’t need to prove anything with anybody, so this fight with Jaime Munguia, you need to be respectful because this fight is more important than other fights.”

He reminded everyone how it’s a chain of never-ending questions for him. Alvarez confidently stated that he has reached a stage in his career where he no longer feels the need to prove himself to anyone. “So it is what it is… I…don’t need to prove anything to anybody anymore; I’ve been done everything…in my career,” said the super middleweight champion.

David Benavidez has been calling out Canelo Alvarez for some time. He made his intentions clear right after defeating Caleb Plant in March last year. It’s been a year now, and the super middleweight champion has now shifted goalposts as well. Hence, the entire episode ruffled quite a few feathers.

Alvarez’s Boldness and Unsettled Waters

Quite a few publications shared ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson‘s unhappiness over Alvarez’s refusal to fight David Benavidez. He reportedly said, “I can’t believe what I just heard. Canelo rejected 60 million dollars to fight Benavidez… What’s wrong with Canelo? Is he afraid of losing? Doesn’t he want to give the fans the fight they want to see? Don’t you want to give the fans the fight they want to see?”

Likewise, when asked for his thoughts on the matter, Ryan Garcia said, “You know, I don’t want to really shoot shots at anybody right now. You know, um, look, it would. I have already fought Benavidez, yes, but that’s that’s his own business…”

Only time alone can tell whether Alvarez and Benavidez can get back to the drawing board and finally come up with a fight. As of now, ‘The Mexican Monster’ has moved up a division to claim a stake in the interim light heavyweight title.

Read More: After Canelo Alvarez’s Uncertain Take On David Benavidez, WBC President Confirms the Fight to Take Place in 2024

Do you think Canelo Alvarez should try making amends by bringing around the David Benavidez fight by September this year?

Also Read: Will Avoiding David Benavidez Tarnish Canelo Alvarez’s Legacy? Caleb Plant Answers