Not Fighting David Benavidez Now Would Be Canelo Alvarez’s Biggest Mistake

David Benavidez is hot on the heels of Canelo Alvarez. A WBC mandatory for two years now, he is actively lobbying for a fight against the much-coveted and elusive Alvarez. Despite the vocal callouts and dismantling of opponents in the ring, ‘The Mexican Monster’ can’t seem to persuade Alvarez to pick a fight with him. The years-long chase hurts all the parties involved, and it might prove disastrous if Alvarez keeps his Mexican compatriot hanging.

Benavidez ensured his punishment of Demetrius Andrade was complete, so his performance became hard to look past. After a devastating TKO win, the former two-time WBC super middleweight champion rightly believes he is next in line for Alvarez. The fans have also rallied behind him and want Alvarez vs. Benavidez. However, the Mexican champion turned a blind eye and ignored whatever transpired in Las Vegas this past Saturday. But it will be his undoing if he puts Benavidez on the burner for too long.

David Benavidez candidature: Accomplished enough to land a fight with Canelo Alvarez

Alvarez is not interested in meeting Benavidez in the square circle, and the reason continues to beat the boxing community. While the 33-year-old has disclosed that he doesn’t intend to face a fellow Mexican, few have bought his excuse. “Whether you think I don’t want to fight with one Mexican Benavidez. But look, I hear his dad talking a lot of sh*t. But look, he’s accomplished nothing,” Canelo shared his mind in September 2022.

Since then, Benavidez has picked up wins against Caleb Plant and, more recently, Demetrius Andrade. Are these fights enough to earn him a ticket to the Alvarez fight? It’s debatable. But does the 26-year-old need to move up to 175 pounds and fight Dmitry Bivol to stamp his title credentials? Definitely not.

Benavidez has done plenty. He is the number one challenger at 168. If Alvarez continues to dodge him, it’s neither good for his reputation nor his bank account. Undoubtedly, it’s one of the biggest fights to make right now. If Alvarez misses the train this time, the fans will question his credentials as the undisputed champion at 168. But what if he meets him a few years down the line?

Pick them apart in the ring before they hit the peak

Then Alvarez runs the risk of facing Benavidez in his prime. The Guadalajara native, 33, is slowly descending into his twilight years, where he can’t afford to face an opponent with brutal knockout power. But if he inks a deal with Jaime Munguia (42-0, 33 KOs) for a Cinco de Mayo event, it pushes their fight no earlier than September 2024.

“If they fight in May 2024, I have to stick with the guy that is laying the plan down. I have to stick with Canelo,” said Andre Rozier to Fight Hype. Demetrius Andrade’s trainer further mentioned that Alvarez’s ability to sustain punishment might separate the two.

Will Alvarez’s strong chin decline within a year? No. But can Andrade add other weapons to his game that can hand Alvarez a defeat? Yes. Terence Crawford has opined that Benavidez is fight-ready for Alvarez. However, Benavidez has to drastically improve his defense skills to shield himself from Alvarez’s piercing punches.

Read More: “It’s Not That Easy”: Jermall Charlo Relives Personal Memory While Detailing Downside of Fighting on Same Card as His Brother Ahead of David Benavidez vs Demetrius Andrade Fight

If the two clash today, Alvarez’s experience and boxing skills outclass Benavidez. He easily edges past his WBC mandatory challenger. But the scales won’t be in Alvarez’s favor if they square off a year or more from now.

Canelo Alvarez will fight ‘The Mexican Monster’ when he feels so

Benavidez, when reigning over 168, never tried to unify the titles. He even denied a fight with Caleb Plant when the latter held two straps. When Benavidez was stripped of his title, Alvarez took over and swept the whole division within three years. He has no appeal left in the division, and his say dictates whether he and Benavidez will headline a PPV.

Additionally, Alvarez has two fights left on his PBC contract, and he might want to finish his contract with a PPV record-shattering fight. His other options, such as Jermall Charlo or a rematch with Dmitry Bivol, might not move the needle. The fans want a showdown with Benavidez, and it’s high time that Alvarez gives Benavidez his dream fight.

What do you make of this hypothetical fight between Canelo Alvarez and David Benavidez? Who do you believe will emerge victorious between the two? Let us know in the comments below.

Watch This Story: Canelo Alvarez’s new training video: Is he preparing for David Benavidez vs Demetrius Andrade?