Canelo Alvarez Explains What Annoyed Him About David Benavidez
Canelo Alvarez is an all-time great, and at this stage of his career and life, he moves at his own pace. He refuses to be accelerated by anything or anyone, and that includes David Benavidez, one of the many who seek to meet him in the ring.
I spoke to Canelo this week about Benavidez's approach and his pursuit of the Mexican icon.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 09: Boxer David Benavidez works out at Pound 4 Pound Gym on January 09, ... More 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Benavidez is scheduled to meet WBA light heavyweight champion David Morrell Jr. in a bout at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on February 01. (Photo by)
I asked Canelo what annoyed him about the 28-year-old interim light heavyweight champion's style.
Like former opponent Floyd Mayweather Jr., who Canelo identified as a 'great fighter' during our conversation, the Mexican icon has reached a point in his career that produces a level of liberation most fighters never get to enjoy.
Canelo has had so much in-ring and financial success that he no longer has to run to build a legacy or fortune for himself. That is already secured.
Canelo's level of vulnerability to the criticism that has come from his unwillingness to fight Benavidez is based on how much he cares about what people have to say.
And believe me, there is a ton of chatter.
The very first comment on the video is a pro-Benavidez comment, and it is not without merit.
One commenter said:
One key point that Canelo—and some other great fighters I've spoken to—sometimes realize is that there will always be another guy. There will always be a guy that the public and boxing community wants them to fight.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 27: Boxer Canelo Alvarez poses with his championship belts at the end of ... More the press conference during the press tour for his fight against Gennady Golovkin on June 27, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by)
At some point, they have to evolve into being businessmen that box, and not remain fighters who don't understand business. That's a tough pill to swallow for fans who simply want to see fights. But I never blame a fighter for reaching this level, especially when they have accomplished as much as Canelo and others of his ilk.
Canelo's next fight is scheduled for May 3. He will face IBF super middleweight champion William Scull. Canelo comes in as the WBO and WBC champion at 168 pounds, and he is looking to unify three-fourths of the titles in the division.
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