BY BOXING HIT STAFF-
The boxing world has been buzzing with frustration over Canelo Alvarez’s choice of opponents. Boxing expert Paulie Malignaggi, in particular, is vocal about his annoyance with the unified super middleweight champion’s strategy of picking and choosing easier matchups while disregarding the talented fighters in the division. Malignaggi points out that fighters like David Benavidez and David Morrell have opted to leave the super middleweight division due to being ignored by Canelo. Instead of facing the best in the division, Canelo has been taking on fighters with lesser challenges such as Edgar Berlanga, Jaime Munguia, John Ryder, and Caleb Plant.
Despite the calls for Canelo to step up and face tougher opponents, he seems unfazed by the pressure. Malignaggi suggests that Canelo’s popularity shields him from the criticism, as his loyal fan base continues to support him regardless of his choice of opponents. The lack of pressure from sanctioning bodies to face mandatory challengers and the media’s inability to influence Canelo’s decisions have created a situation where the champion can afford to be selective in his matchups.
Malignaggi highlights the influence of popularity in the boxing world, emphasizing how being the most popular fighter can give one more political control over their career choices. He points out that despite not necessarily being the best in his weight class, Canelo’s massive fan base allows him to continue facing lesser opponents without significant consequences. This contrasts with the struggle faced by other fighters like Shakur Stevenson, who must consistently face top competition to increase their popularity and earnings.
The fact that Canelo can maintain his status as a top draw in boxing without consistently facing the best in his division raises questions about the validity of his claims of being the best. Malignaggi suggests that Canelo may be living in denial due to his popularity, allowing him to avoid facing the reality of his standing in the sport. While from a sporting perspective, there may be nothing wrong with Canelo’s approach, it raises ethical concerns about the impact on the boxing landscape and the careers of other fighters.
Chris Algieri adds another layer to the discussion by commenting on Canelo’s age, suggesting that at 33, the champion is already considered “old” in boxing terms. The years spent in the sport and the numerous fights fought may have taken a toll on Canelo, influencing his choice of opponents and the level of risk he is willing to take in his matchups.
The debate over Canelo Alvarez’s selection of opponents raises broader questions about the intersection of popularity, political control, and sporting integrity in the world of boxing. While Canelo’s strategy may be successful from a financial and fan engagement perspective, it also highlights the challenges faced by other fighters who must consistently face the best competition to advance their careers. As Canelo continues his reign as one of the top draws in boxing, the implications of his choices on the sport’s future remain a topic of ongoing debate and discussion.
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