Canelo Alvarez has once again overlooked David Benavidez. After comfortably cruising past Jermell Charlo in September, some expected him to award his fellow compatriot his due. However, the latest reports suggest otherwise. Reportedly, Jaime Munguia is closer to inking a deal to face the undisputed super middleweight champion.

This only adds to the years-long anguish of ‘The Mexican Monster’ that continues to rage. The wait feels endless, and a much-coveted title shot seems like a fleeting dream. In the tussle of a worthy challenger for Alvarez, Benavidez has only found himself on the losing side. But is he the right fighter with the worst luck? Or is he a key to unlocking Alvarez’s puzzle to greatness?

Fighting David Benavidez: Canelo Alvarez has yet to settle the modern best debate

The 33-year-old champion is the current face of boxing. He is the boxer who puts on the biggest show, pulls numbers, and moves the needle. While his resume is impressive, there are still doubts over his candidacy for the modern best.

The Mexican boxer has carved out an image among doubters of dodging big fights. If he has to retire as one of the biggest stars in boxing history, he has to run through the 168-pound division, and Benavidez is undoubtedly the biggest fight. Likewise, Benavidez, an entertaining power puncher and a former two-time WBC champion, has been chasing a fight with Alvarez for years now.

But that never received a green light. While ‘Mexican Monster’ is slated to face Demetrius Andrade to protect his interim title, a win against the latter might finally stamp his ticket to face Alvarez.

David Benavidez’s mandatory contender status and a fixed timeline for his shot

After Benavidez bagged a win against Caleb Plant earlier this year, he immediately called out Alvarez. Despite this, Alvarez picked Jermell Charlo and again seemed to have avoided Benavidez. However, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman has already put Alvarez on Benavidez’s hit list.

The WBC President reportedly told Gambling.com, “David Benavidez. He is the interim champion. He is mandatory contender for the WBC. Benavidez’s term for the mandatory status is in March 2024.”

Therefore, Benavidez is the mandatory challenger for Alvarez, and a clash might be on the cards for next year. But Alvarez can twist WBC’s arm due to his star power and his stature as the biggest PPV seller currently. And that’s not the only issue.

The problem of abundance and a rivalry that needs a date

Due to Alvarez’s stature, everyone wants a piece of him. From the likes of Jermall Charlo to Terence Crawford, everyone is chasing fat paychecks. Benavidez is aware of the problem of plenty that Alvarez faces.

Read More: “He Didn’t Beat the Man”: While Accusing Him of “Seizing the Opportunity”, Demetrius Andrade Blasts Canelo Alvarez for Not Taking Fights With Him and David Benavidez

“I have a lot of respect for Canelo Alvarez. But he has to give me that shot now… I don’t think he’s trying to avoid me; I just believe he has a lot of options,” Benavidez declared. Regardless of the list of boxers chasing Alvarez, Benavidez has the legitimate claim at the title shot next. Regardless of the endless queue, Benavidez stands ahead of all. But how long can he sit idle?

Is Canelo Alvarez ducking David Benavidez? Has Benavidez finally given up on his dream fight?

Alvarez has repeatedly been accused of ducking worthy opponents. The Guadalajara native has brushed aside these claims in a conversation with ‘The Breakfast Club’. He said, “I’m ducking nobody. I’ve been in this position a lot of times. So I just do the fights that I think are best for the fans.”

Despite these statements, Alvarez has always sidelined Benavidez. That even left the latter frustrated, and he then specified his intent to continue fighting without Alvarez as a goal. “I wanted to make my own lane. I don’t want to just keep waiting for a fight with Canelo,” he declared.

But when the rumors of Alvarez signing a potential fight deal with Munguia gained traction, Benavidez wasn’t happy. He declared, “I mean, to be honest with you. It doesn’t make me happy knowing that he’s gonna take that fight next. But, as I always say, what could I do about it? Canelo does whatever he wants to do.”

Hence, Benavidez has mixed feelings about Canelo ducking him and then trying to agree to a deal, which might effectively kill his title shot. However, nothing is set in stone. An impressive win against Andrade will push back the narrative to his side. Further, the animosity between them might overshadow any other potential fight. Lastly, Alvarez’s credential for greatness goes through Benavidez. Alvarez can’t dodge Benavidez forever, and the latter will make sure both meet in the squared circle next year.

What do you make of rumors of Canelo Alvarez going against Jaime Munguia? Do you believe the Mexican boxer will ever fight David Benavidez? Let us know in the comments below.