Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez has unequivocally dismissed a highly anticipated showdown with fellow multi-weight champion David Benavidez, directly accusing Benavidez of prioritizing financial gain. Alvarez stated that his rival is “always looking for the payday,” adding that the current difference in weight makes a bout between them “impossible.” This firm stance comes as Alvarez gears up for his return to the ring later this year.
Alvarez hasn’t fought since a September defeat last year when he lost his undisputed super-middleweight crown to Terence Crawford at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Crawford’s subsequent retirement then fragmented those belts. Canelo now aims to regain a portion of that hardware, challenging Christian Mbilli for the WBC super-middleweight title this October in Riyadh.
Canelo dismisses David Benavidez as a future opponent
Speaking to Inside The Ring, Canelo Alvarez laid out his reasoning for avoiding David Benavidez, whose name frequently comes up as a potential opponent. Alvarez questioned why Benavidez didn’t pursue other champions when both were campaigning at 168 pounds. At that time, Alvarez said his goal was to become undisputed, an ambition he feels Benavidez lacked.
He expressed clear exasperation with what he views as Benavidez’s consistent call-outs. “Every fight he is calling me out, always looking for the payday,” Alvarez remarked, suggesting a lack of legitimate sporting ambition from Benavidez. This perspective highlights a common tension in boxing between established stars and hungry contenders.
The “payday” accusation and its implications
Alvarez’s pointed remarks about Benavidez “always looking for the payday” reveal a significant point of contention for the undisputed super-middleweight champion. For a fighter of Alvarez’s stature, legacy and unified titles often hold more weight than immediate financial incentives. He seems to imply Benavidez hasn’t adequately proven himself against top-tier competition before demanding a fight with him.
This accusation, whether fair or not, casts a shadow over the potential mega-matchup in Alvarez’s eyes. He appears to see Benavidez more as a challenger chasing a career-best purse than a genuine threat to his standing. The financial aspect of major fights frequently becomes a talking point, but here it acts as a direct barrier to negotiations.
Weight difference makes a fight “impossible”
Beyond the financial jabs, Canelo Alvarez also emphasized that the current weight difference between them renders a fight “impossible.” David Benavidez currently holds the WBC light heavyweight title, alongside WBA and WBO cruiserweight belts. This multi-weight ascent places him in significantly higher divisions than Alvarez, who is now campaigning back at super-middleweight.
Alvarez even suggested Benavidez “can fight with heavyweights,” further underscoring the perceived size gap. While catchweight bouts are always a possibility in professional boxing, Alvarez appears unwilling to entertain such an arrangement. This is especially true after his own past ventures into light heavyweight and subsequent return to his preferred 168-pound class. These physical discrepancies add another layer of complexity to any potential future talks.
David Benavidez charts a new course
With Canelo Alvarez definitively shutting down a potential fight, David Benavidez must now pursue other avenues in his career. The “Mexican Monster” remains an undefeated force in boxing, boasting an impressive 32-0 record. His latest victory came in May when he stopped Gilberto Ramirez, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable knockout artist.
Benavidez has been vocal about wanting to challenge Alvarez for some time, making this rejection a significant blow to his immediate plans. However, his success across multiple divisions means other lucrative and challenging fights await. His focus now appears to be on unifying belts in higher weight classes, rather than continuing to chase a reluctant Alvarez.
Cruiserweight title ambitions for Benavidez
David Benavidez is now reportedly set to face WBC cruiserweight champion Noel Mikaelian next. This move would see Benavidez attempt to become a three-belt unified champion, adding to his collection of titles across different weight categories. It’s a strategic shift that could establish his dominance in a new division and showcase his versatility.
A victory over Mikaelian would undoubtedly elevate Benavidez’s standing further, making it even harder for top fighters to overlook him in the future. This pursuit of unified championships demonstrates a clear intention to build a lasting legacy, regardless of the current stalemate with Alvarez. It also means fans won’t be seeing him return to super-middleweight anytime soon.
Canelo Alvarez seeks to regain a WBC super-middleweight title
Canelo Alvarez’s return to the super-middleweight division comes at a time of flux. Terence Crawford’s retirement left the division’s undisputed status vacant, creating a scramble for the top belts. This scenario presents both opportunities and challenges for Alvarez as he aims to reclaim his dominance and restore order. The division will remain highly competitive in the coming months.
The fragmented nature of the titles means multiple champions and contenders are vying for supremacy, making the landscape exciting but also complicated for fans. With Alvarez focused on Christian Mbilli, other divisional players will be looking to stake their claim. Many observers believe Mbilli presents a significant challenge for Canelo.
This upcoming challenge against Christian Mbilli for the WBC super-middleweight title in October marks Alvarez’s first step back towards divisional supremacy. Mbilli, a tough and respected contender, will undoubtedly provide a stern test for Alvarez as he seeks to rebound from his loss to Crawford. Winning this belt would immediately re-establish Alvarez as a significant player at 168 pounds.
