David Benavidez, Jermall Charlo and Other Names in the Race to Canelo Alvarez’s Cinco de Mayo Clash

The mystery deepens for the Cinco de Mayo opponent of Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez. The boxing world eagerly awaits the official confirmation of what the Mexican champion has in store for them. While the only hint is that his challenger will don the Star-Spangled Banner in the squared circle, the hunt for the face still rages on. The two names that keep popping up are Jermall Charlo and David Benavidez. But there is also a wildcard who can win the race to feature on May 4.

Fans and pundits have long speculated who the undisputed super middleweight champion might choose as his first opponent. Recent rumors suggest that it is the elder of the Charlo twins, Jermall. Despite that being the most probable fight right now, that’s also the least popular among the fans. Will Alvarez pay heed to the fans?

Canelo Alvarez vs. Jermall Charlo: A revenge storyline

When Canelo Alvarez handed Jermell Charlo an easy beating last September, the fight with Jermall Charlo was also set in motion. The PBC had it all thought through. A revenge fight with either of the Charlo twins would soon follow to add an extra ingredient of redemption to the future fight. It seems that’s where Alvarez’s camp is headed too.

In addition, Jermall Charlo and Alvarez go a long way back, as both fought in the same weight class for years. First at 154 and then at 160, but their paths never collided despite the demands. The fight is finally close to materialization, as per the rumors, and an official call is the only thing missing.

The WBC middleweight champion, at 33-0, himself has hinted that the fight might happen. A pre-signed contract from last year also strengthens his case. But the breakthrough at the negotiation table has yet to come. However, that is not something fans desire.

David Benavidez: What the fans want

The WBC interim super middleweight champion for over two years, David Benavidez, keeps obliterating foes in the ring. He hopes to meet Alvarez soon, and his recent exploits against Caleb Plant and Demetrius Andrade are a testament to his destructive power. ‘The Mexican Monster’ is the legitimate challenger to Alvarez’s throne, and the fans want him to punch his way through the victory, if possible.

Undoubtedly, Alvarez vs. Benavidez is one of the biggest fights in the boxing world right now. It has all the markings of an exciting fight with sure shot PPV blockbuster numbers. The fans know the challenger will go for the kill from the get-go. Besides, it is a bigger fight than Jermall Charlo.

Watch This Story: What happened between Jermall Charlo and Jermall Charlo? Why Twin Brothers are at a distance?

At 28-0, with 24 KO wins, Benavidez is the powerhouse within the division and the name that hard-earned his right to face Alvarez. The fans want someone from the division to try and dislodge Alvarez. And Benavidez ticks all the boxes. In addition, Alvarez needs a popular name to justify the guaranteed purse of $35 million from the PBC. It all narrows down to him. Maybe one more guy with an undisputed crown to himself, Terence Crawford.

A wild card in Terence Crawford

“Terence Crawford vs. Canelo Alvarez is the biggest fight in boxing right now. Like it or not, it’s just the facts,” ‘Bud’ declared on his social media handle. Truth be told, he is not wrong. The American boxer, at 40-0, is hotly pursuing a legacy and craves a big name in Canelo Alvarez to stamp his.

While the welterweight champion needs to jump 3 divisions, he will gladly do so. He has added mass to his frame since defeating Errol Spence Jr. and looks set to face Alvarez, if not in May, then in September. The stumbling block is that Crawford doesn’t fight under the PBC banner, so the negotiations will take a lengthy course.

But a fight with him or David Benavidez is the most ideal outcome for the fans. However, it’s not the perfect boxing world, and the promoters hold fans hostage. Don’t be surprised if Jermall Charlo walks to the boxing ring on May 4. Similarly, a fight with either Terence Crawford or David Benavidez might follow suit, if not immediately.

Read More: “He’ll Do Anything to Stay Away”: Jose Benavidez Sr. Calls Out “Scared” Canelo Alvarez for Avoiding David Benavidez Fight, Demands Sanctioning Bodies to Be Fair

What do you make of this probable list of opponents for Canelo Alvarez? Who do you think should fight Alvarez next? Let us know in the comments below.