Saul “Canelo” Alvarez has officially declared that a long-awaited clash with David Benavidez is “impossible” at this stage of their careers. Speaking in a series of interviews in May 2026, the undisputed super middleweight champion cited David Benavidez’s recent climb into higher weight classes as the primary reason the matchup can no longer materialize. The announcement effectively ends years of speculation regarding a fight between the two Mexican stars.
Canelo Alvarez defended his past matchmaking decisions, noting that during his rise to undisputed status, he faced every available champion at 168 pounds. “When we were both at 168, I fought every champion in that division,” Canelo Alvarez told InsideRingShow. He questioned why David Benavidez did not secure those same titles during that period, stating that he would have fought David Benavidez had he been a champion at that point.
The timing of these comments follows David Benavidez’s successful transition to the cruiserweight division. After years as the WBC interim super middleweight champion, David Benavidez moved to 175 pounds in 2024, securing victories against Oleksandr Gvozdyk and David Morrell. More recently, he moved to cruiserweight to face Gilberto Ramirez, where he claimed both the WBA and WBO titles in a convincing performance.
Weight shifts and divisional barriers for Canelo Alvarez
Canelo Alvarez now argues that David Benavidez’s physical transformation makes a return to lower weight classes unlikely. The champion remarked that David Benavidez “brings just 25 lbs more in the fight on the night” and voiced doubts about his rival’s ability to return to the 175-pound limit. “I don’t think he can make 175 anymore,” Canelo Alvarez said, adding that his own goal was being undisputed and David Benavidez “can come fight with heavyweights.”
Fans have highlighted that Canelo Alvarez has previously explored higher divisions himself. The Mexican icon famously moved to light heavyweight to fight Sergey Kovalev and Dmitry Bivol. Boxing enthusiasts also pointed out that Terence Crawford jumped two divisions to 168 pounds for his recent bout with Canelo, fueling the debate over whether the current size difference is a legitimate hurdle or a convenient excuse.
David Benavidez has offered a different perspective on the divisional shift. While he previously spent years calling for the Canelo fight at super middleweight, he has now found success in heavier brackets. “I wouldn’t go back to 168,” David Benavidez stated. He confirmed he is satisfied at 175, where he remains a world champion, but noted that if Canelo Alvarez wants to meet him at that weight, he is “all good with that.”
Disputes over money and failed contract talks
Negotiations between the two camps have been plagued by conflicting reports regarding financial terms. Jose Benavidez Sr., the father and trainer of David Benavidez, claimed in early 2024 that they were offered a “bare minimum of $5 million” to face Canelo Alvarez. According to Jose Benavidez Sr., they accepted the offer immediately because they wanted the opportunity, but the Canelo Alvarez camp subsequently “disappeared” from the table.
Canelo Alvarez has flatly denied rumors of a massive $55 million offer to fight David Benavidez. He maintained that no such figure was ever presented to him. “If he offered that amount, that amount I can make fighting anybody,” Canelo Alvarez said. He dismissed David Benavidez’s current standing, calling the fighter “disrespectful” and claiming he has “accomplished nothing” and is no longer a champion in Canelo’s weight class.
The refusal to face David Benavidez has led some figures in the sport to criticize the champion’s recent selections. Sampson Lewkowicz, David Benavidez’s promoter, labeled Canelo’s recent fight against William Scull a “shameful display.” Some analysts believe Christian Mbilli presents a challenge that should be next on the champion’s schedule if he remains at 168 pounds, though Canelo Alvarez continues to assert his right to choose his own path.
Legacy and the future of the undisputed champion
Despite the criticism, Canelo Alvarez remains focused on his resume and legacy. He pointed out that he has fought elite fighters throughout his career and earned the right to dictate his schedule. He recently secured a unanimous decision victory against William Scull on May 3, 2024. While fans were frustrated that the bout bypassed David Benavidez, it fulfilled the requirements for Canelo Alvarez to maintain his status in the division.
A return for the champion is expected in September, though he has noted a need to recover from a lingering elbow injury first. Potential options for his next outing could include a rematch with Dmitry Bivol at light heavyweight. However, Canelo Alvarez has been clear that a David Benavidez fight is not on his radar. He feels his legacy is secure, regardless of whether this specific matchup occurs.
David Benavidez, meanwhile, appears ready to move on. He stated he would not “waste time with a person who doesn’t want to make a fight happen.” With David Benavidez holding unified titles at cruiserweight and and titles at light heavyweight, the two fighters seem to be drifting further apart. The “impossible” label from Canelo Alvarez likely marks the final chapter in a rivalry that remained confined to headlines rather than the ring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Canelo Alvarez consider the Benavidez fight impossible?
Canelo Alvarez stated the fight is “impossible” because David Benavidez has moved up through the light heavyweight and cruiserweight divisions. He argues that the size difference has grown too large, noting that David Benavidez brings significantly more weight into the ring on fight night and likely cannot return to lower weight limits.
What has David Benavidez said about returning to 168 pounds?
David Benavidez has clearly stated, “I wouldn’t go back to 168.” He explained that he is comfortable as a world champion at 175 pounds and is now focused on fighting opponents who are actively seeking to face him, rather than continuing to chase a fight with Canelo Alvarez at super middleweight.
Was there a $55 million offer for Canelo to face Benavidez?
Canelo Alvarez has denied that a $55 million offer ever existed, calling the rumors untrue. He stated that he is capable of making that amount of money fighting any opponent and dismissed the idea that such a specific high-value offer was presented to his team by the Benavidez camp.
