There’ll Be a “Blemish” on Canelo Alvarez’s Career if He Doesn’t Fight David Benavidez, Says Boxing Broadcaster

Canelo Alvarez has already achieved legendary status as he inches closer to his final days in the sport of sweet science. However, acclaimed combat journalist and broadcaster Gareth A. Davies believes Canelo’s reputation is at risk if doesn’t fight David Benavidez before he hangs up the gloves. And it’s not like the Mexican superstar has outright refused to fight Benavidez!

Having made his stance clear about the fight, Canelo Alvarez has demanded $150 million to $200 million to make the fight happen! However, nobody has offered him such a payday yet, and the public is convinced that the fight will never happen. So, while appearing in an interview with Ade Oladipo on talkSport yesterday, Davies explained the consequences of Canelo not facing Benavidez.

Davies feels Canelo Alvarez has nothing to fear against Davis Benavidez

During the interview, Oladipo brought up Benavidez’s statement, in which the boxer claimed his trip to 175 pounds wasn’t permanent, speculating that Benavidez was chasing Canelo Alvarez. To this, the broadcaster said, “It’s a great fight, but I really do think that if we don’t get to see Saul Canelo Alvarez and David Benavidez there’ll be a blemish on the career of Canelo.” However, will it really be a blemish? The Riddick Bowe vs. Lennox Lewis fight never happened, and they had the 1988 Olympics fight behind them to build the showdown where Lewis took home the gold in a controversial win against Bowe. Is that a blemish on their professional careers? 

Nevertheless, suggesting Canelo’s demand for money and his ego is wrong, Davies declared that it absolutely needs to happen. Turning his attention to why Canelo may not want the fight, Davies said, “Canelo has nothing to fear from Benavidez in terms of if he loses to him, he’s lost to Bivol, a very big guy.” Yep, Canelo might not be afraid of losing, but without getting the money he desires, the fight is unlikely to happen. Meanwhile, a boxing trainer, who claims to be Canelo’s fan, has expressed similar thoughts about Benavidez not getting the clash.

Bernard Hackett believes it is sad for boxing

Bernard Hackett, father and trainer of Jalil Hackett, spoke out about Benavidez’s plea for a fight falling on deaf ears. A Canelo fan himself, he understands David Benavidez’s frustration in trying to land the fight. In a conversation with Boxing Scene, Hackett said, “I think Benavidez deserves his shot because he’s in that era with Canelo.”

The trainer went as far as to say that if the Canelo Alvarez vs. Davis Benavidez fight doesn’t happen “that will be sad for boxing”. Hackett must feel deeply sorry for the Mexican ‘Monster’, as later in the interview, the trainer even said, “If Canelo and him don’t fight, that’ll be a major travesty to Benavidez because he deserves that fight.”

It will indeed be an immense disappointment if Canelo Alvarez doesn’t fight David Benavidez. However, from appearances, Canelo doesn’t seem overly concerned, indicating that financial remuneration should be in line with the risk he takes. Nonetheless, if he does prioritize money and still declines the fight, such a decision could potentially prove to be a blot on his career. Do you believe Canelo is avoiding Benavidez?