On the 25th of November, David Benavidez, the WBC interim super middleweight title holder will lock horns with Demetrius Andrade. This will be Benavidez’s second fight this year after the title defense against Caleb Plant in March. Following the victory against Plant, although Benavidez wanted Canelo Alvarez, he is settling for Andrade.
Ahead of Benavidez vs. Andrade, BoxRec published their all-time top-ten 168lbs ranking. Although the list featured the likes of Canelo Alvarez (for obvious reasons), Andre Ward, and even Demetrius Andrade, it made no mention of Benavidez. In addition to that, the list offered questionable ranks to both Ward and Andrade. As a result, several fans objected to the mentioned rankings and, in no time, voiced their opinions on X.
David Benavidez excluded: All-time top-ten ranking places Canelo Alvarez on the top
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Having ruled the middleweight division, Canelo Alvarez made his super middleweight debut in 2018 against Rocky Fielding. In his debut fight, Alvarez won the super middleweight title. By and by, he became the undisputed super middleweight champion in 2021 as he defeated Caleb Plant in the ring. Likewise, given Alvarez’s resume, BoxRec considered declaring Canelo the no. 1 super middleweight fighter of all time. However, since they did not offer Benavidez a place, a fan said, “No Benavidez is a crime.”
No Benevidez is a crime
— SWISH11 🌐 (@imswish11) November 4, 2023
Meanwhile, Demetrius Andrade received the 6th place. Since, ‘Boo Boo’ has had only one fight at 168lbs, a fan questioned, “How is Andrade #6?”
Andre Ward was technically the first undisputed at 168, and how is Andrade # 6 and he’s only on his 2nd fight at the weight 💀
— Lorenzo Javier Veloz Jr. (@Jab_Jab_Right) November 4, 2023
Similarly, another ridiculed the inclusion of Andrade:
Andrade lol
— SHREDDER (@SHREDDER_365) November 4, 2023
However, one agreed that “Canelo is the best super-middleweight of all time.”
I agree Canelo is the best super-middleweight of all time
— Park (@iam_Park_) November 4, 2023
But, one reiterated that Ward “spent his whole career there [168lbs]” and deserved to be above Canelo.
Canelo has 7 fights at 68 and he the greatest ???? Over Ward who spent his whole career there outside of a few fights .
— HIM DUNCAN⚡️ (@stackztootrill) November 5, 2023
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While fans argue over the ranks of Andre Ward and Canelo Alvarez, it is worth noticing what Ward once thought of Alvarez.
Andre Ward saw “great talent” in Canelo Alvarez
While fans feel Ward was better than the Mexican boxer, the former unified light heavyweight and super middleweight title holder called Alvarez a Hall of Famer. In his opinion, Canelo took risks and built an impressive career in the sport. “He’s [Canelo] done everything. He’s taken all the risks,” Ward told Max Kellerman. “I think Canelo is a great talent. I think he’s had a great career, and, of course, he’s a Hall of Famer. No doubt about that,” he added.
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Watch This Story – Canelo Alvarez’s new training video: Is he preparing for the winner of David Benavidez vs Demetrius Andrade?
With that being said, it seems Ward won’t be much upset knowing Canelo occupies the spot above him. However, do you feel that Benavidez deserves a place on the list? Share your thoughts in the comments below.