Canelo Alvarez vs. David Benavidez needs to happen. For a while now Benavidez has been chasing the big fights of his weight class. And who better than the big fish of the super middleweight class, Canelo Alvarez? Ever since he won over Jermell Charlo with the ease that he did, every fight of the weight sect wants to take a shot at him, including Benavidez. But when the coin is flipped, and seen from a different perspective, where does a Benavidez fight lie in Canelo’s career?
On the 25th of November, Benavidez took his fight against Demetirus Andrade at the Michelob Ultra Arena, in Las Vegas. The fight was as crucial as it could get for both the fighters, given it could either break their career or make it. Whoever won the WBC Interim Super Middle fight would get their big fight against Canelo for the titles he holds. The night saw its peak in the fourth round when Benavidez dropped ‘Boo Boo’, securing victory. In the wake of this important victory for Benavidez, folks have begun conversations about the big fight.
David Benavidez vs. Canelo Alvarez: Groundbreaking for the Latter?
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For a fighter like that of Canelo Alvarez, the world mostly speaks about what the fight looks like for their opponent, usually the underdog. But when such conversations are subverted, there is an entirely new perspective that emerges. In the case of Benavidez, multiple commentators have pondered why the Canelo fight is pertinent for him. But what about the significance of the fight for Canelo? Recently, Instagram boxing commentator, ShowBizzTheAdult spoke about where the Benavidez fight would locate itself in Canelo’s Alavrez.
“He is very close to GGG,” said the commentator. In September 2018, Gennadiy Golovkin entered the ring against Alvarez at the iconic T-Mobile Arena of Las Vegas for the historic unification of super middleweight titles. At this point, ‘GGG’ was coming off a very successful undefeated streak ever since his debut in the ring. On fight night, the streak did not sustain. He lost through a major decision. Four years later, a rematch was called, and GGG’s fate against Canelo continued to remain grim. He lost yet again through a unanimous decision.
ShowBizz continued, “GGG is an all-time middleweight champion.” When such parallels are drawn between GGG and Benevaidez a huge boost is given to the latter. Despite losing both the Canelo fights, GGG was heavily revered for the fight he put. Canelo defeating him was the peak of the former’s career. Now with calls for the Benavidez fight intensifying, the question arises if Canelo is ready for it.
Is Canelo ducking Benavidez?
In a recent conversation on the Breakfast Club, Canelo denied ducking ‘The Mexican Monster.’ He said, “I’m ducking nobody.” However, he explained the lack of enthusiasm he’s shown in taking on Benavidez by saying, “I’ve been in this position a lot of times so I just do the fights that I think are best for the fans.”
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His reluctance to Benavidez might not be a long-term affair. Recently, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed that the fighters are “committed and ready” to fight each other. However, the President refused to confirm if a mandatory fight would be called between them.
Pressures are mounting on Canelo to fight David Benavidez. It will be interesting to see if the fighter accepts these calls and enters the ring against Benavidez. If and when the fight does take its course, the boxing community will be treated with one of the most lethal clashes in recent history. While it will certainly be another make-it-or-break-it fight for Benavidez, will the same stakes be levied for Canelo? What is your take on this proposition? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Watch This Story: David Benavidez continues slamming Canelo Alvarez ahead of Andrade fight