BY BOXING HIT STAFF-
David Benavidez’s aspirations of facing Canelo Alvarez continue to be a persistent theme in the boxing community. Despite being a known name in the circuit, Benavidez paints a picture of a battle for supremacy, believing that a fight with Alvarez is still a possibility if he captures the light heavyweight title after the highly anticipated bout between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. However, a closer look reveals the myriad of challenges and doubts that accompany his quest.
Benavidez, known as “The Mexican Monster,” is determined to unseat the winner of the Beterbiev-Bivol fight for the undisputed championship at 175 pounds. At 29-0 with 24 knockouts, his record is undeniably impressive. Yet, rumors surrounding his motivations suggest that the pursuit may not solely be about legacy but rather financial gain. In the cutthroat world of boxing, where money often trumps glory, it raises questions about the sincerity of Benavidez’s aspirations.
Compounding issues is the intense competition within the division. Not only is Terence Crawford gunning for his own marquee matchups, but rising stars like Edgar Berlanga are also vocal about wanting opportunity. Benavidez might dream of facing Canelo after winning the title, but the boxing ecosystem is filled with challengers vying for the spotlight. If one thing is clear, the road to a Canelo matchup isn’t merely paved; it’s a minefield of other contenders.
Benavidez’s hopes of dethroning either Beterbiev or Bivol seem increasingly overambitious when considering his last performance. His debut at 175 against Oleksandr Gvozdyk was lackluster, and many observers marked it as a modest showing rather than a resounding victory. He scraped by in a bout that, at times, felt like it could have easily resulted in a draw. With Beterbiev and Bivol being elite fighters, the prospect of Benavidez emerging victorious seems slim. The doubts surrounding his readiness for these titanic clashes raise the specter of unanswered questions about his tactical finesse and ability to endure brutality in the ring.
Further complicating Benavidez’s pursuit of Canelo is the latter’s reluctance to take potentially risky bouts without significant incentive. Canelo has explicitly stated that he’s eyeing a rematch with Bivol rather than a hypothetical clash with Benavidez. The insistence on a catchweight to entice Canelo only emphasizes the challenging dynamics at play. Might Alvarez regard the proposal merely as a tactical maneuver rather than a legitimate fight?
The Financial Gamble: Purses and Valuations
One cannot ignore the sheer financial aspect of a potential matchup between Benavidez and Canelo. Reportedly, Canelo has a hefty price tag of $200 million that he demands before entertaining a showdown with Benavidez. This sum could discourage negotiations, rendering the idea of the fight an unattainable fantasy for Benavidez. The dynamics here are defined not just by the fighters’ performances, but the lucrative realities that dictate their matchmaking as well.
Benavidez may assert that winning all four belts at 175 would propel him into a position of leverage, yet the combination of a risky strategy and the looming specter of Beterbiev could spell disaster. If he endures two grueling matches against the latter and looks significantly diminished afterward, will Canelo still be interested? Would fans want to see a diminished Benavidez square off against one of the sport’s greats?
David Benavidez’s aspirations to face Canelo Alvarez seem increasingly remote from reality. The hurdles he faces—skill deficits, fierce competition, and financial roadblocks—cast shadows on his ambitions. While his tenacity is commendable, one must question whether his dream is more mirage than destiny. The boxing landscape may ultimately be guided by the mercurial nature of sport rather than the desires of determined fighters. The pursuit of glory may sometimes be overshadowed by the harsh truths of competitive reality, leaving Benavidez with more questions than answers.
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