“Won’t Dominate Canelo Alvarez”: Timothy Bradley Calls Out “Embarrassed” David Benavidez for Drunken Debacle

David Benavidez is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in boxing right now. Countless youth look up to ‘The Mexican Monster,’ drawing inspiration from his storied career. However, last Saturday night, Benavidez did something that is unbecoming of an athlete and a champion of his level. 

While his gym mate, Diego Pacheco, was battling it out against Shawn McCalman at Fontainebleau, Las Vegas, Benavidez was caught drunk in an interview with DAZN Boxing. Even though the Phoenix, Arizona, native issued an apology, the very next day on special media through an Instagram story, Timothy Bradley couldn’t help but express his disdain for Benavidez’s actions. In addition, the retired boxer even spoke about Benavidez wanting to fight Canelo Alvarez, suggesting the former wouldn’t defeat him. 

Speaking on Pro Box TV’s Deep Waters, Bradley stated, “Watching him put his career out there like that… In the public eye… If you want to get plastered, if you want to drink, that’s something you do at home.” Bradley warned Benavidez, claiming that he shouldn’t do such things on the night of a fight while “people are constantly [recording] you. Kids are around. You’ve got [many] fans watching that.”

However, turning to Benavidez’s apology on social media, Bradley said, “The apology showed maturity. He was embarrassed. I think he’s going to make better decisions.” Bradley even highlighted that Benavidez is in camp for his next fight against Ukaraine’s Oleksandr Gvozdyk sometime in June. So, “You don’t drink during camp. That’s a no-no… The alcohol doesn’t blend well with training… [All] the work… you’ve got to be clean,” said Bradley.

Also Read: “That’s Crazy”: David Benavidez Shoots Down the Possibility of Him Accepting Rehydration Clause for a Canelo Alvarez Fight

Later in the interview, Bradley spoke about Benavidez wanting to face Canelo Alvarez and how people have hailed the unbeaten boxer as the ultimate challenge for Canelo. Bradley said, “We’re talking about Benavidez like he’s some gangster… Like he’s supposed to dominate Canelo… I don’t think so. Benavidez—didn’t he walk away from an opportunity to face David Morrell? If he’s that damn bad, he would have [taken] that fight.”

While Bradley doesn’t think Benavidez can dominate Canelo Alvarez, an English promoter has shared his thoughts on Benavidez accusing Canelo of being scared. 

Eddie Hearn is down with Canelo Alvarez, demanding $200 million to fight David Benavidez

Not long ago, Canelo Alvarez was asked about how the fight against Benavidez could be made. In response, the Mexican superstar demanded $150 to $200 million for the fight. However, Benavidez saw this as a sign of fear on Canelo’s part, so he blatantly announced that Canelo was scared of him in several interviews.

However, when Eddie Hearn was asked about Benavidez’s ‘scared’ comment about Canelo, he had other ideas. “I don’t know how serious he was about the 150 or 200  (million), but why not? Give him your number… But one thing I know about Saul is, he ain’t afraid of anyone. He has no problem fighting David Benavidez,” said Hearn. 

With that said, David Benavidez seems to have lost a bit of respect from Timothy Bradley because of the drunken debacle on Saturday night. However, as Bradley highlighted, Benavidez’s apology was sincere. And as far as the Canelo fight is concerned, only time will tell whether they will ever get in the ring together. Did you see the drunken interview? 

Read More: Legendary Commentator Compares David Benavidez’s Power to Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis; Makes a Case for Him Moving Up in Weight