Current WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF super middleweight world champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez will take on Jaime Munguia (43-0, 34 KOs) on Saturday, May 4th for the undisputed title. After their first showdown on March 19, media questions focused on the man Canelo chose not to fight.
(Photo Credit: Esther Lin & Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions)
Two years ago, after defeating Gennady “GGG” Golovkin in a trilogy bout, Canelo said he would not fight a Mexican because he represented Mexico. Two years later, he is fighting Mexican super middleweight challenger Jaime Munguia.
Meanwhile, Canelo's WBC eligibility remains on the sidelines, but a less qualified opponent is being given a golden opportunity. The man who almost everyone wants to fight Canelo fits the bill, but Canelo has actively refused to accept the challenge.
David Benavidez is a two-time WBC super middleweight world champion. Unfortunately, he was stripped of the title twice. The first time he tested positive for cocaine, but the second time he competed over the weight limit.
Benavidez's road to redemption began on May 21, 2022, when he won the vacant WBC interim super middleweight title with a third-round TKO victory over David Lemieux. Benavidez appeared to be scheduled to face Canelo Alvarez next, but there was a roadblock in his path.
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman has declared that the winner of the bout between former IBF super middleweight world champion Caleb Plant and David Benavidez will be the mandatory contender for Canelo Alvarez at the 2022 WBC tournament. Although Benavidez won the fight, Sulaiman did not order the match.
A year later, in November 2023, coach Mauricio Sulaiman said the winner of the David Benavidez vs. Demetrious Andrade fight would be approved as Canelo Alvarez's mandatory fighter. A week later, Benavidez won the fight, but Sulaiman would not order a Canelo vs. Benavidez match.
Now, after passing on Benavidez to face John Ryder and Jermell Charlo, Canelo makes another hard pass as he agrees to face Jaime Munguia. Jaime Munguia, 27, is a solid fighter, but if Munguia were to face David Benavidez, wouldn't Benavidez go in as the favorite?
For those fans who had doubts about Canelo covering up David Benavidez, some of those fans have changed their minds after Canelo's recent opponent selection. Media scrutiny has become more intense, and more and more people in the boxing world have doubts about Canelo.
Former two-time world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson wants to see Alvarez face Benavidez. In a recent interview, Tyson expressed his disappointment in Canelo Alvarez.
“Don't you respect the accomplishments of a great Mexican champion who fought against the strongest teams regardless of money?” Tyson asked. “This is a shame for boxing and for Mexico.”
Tyson went on to say, “If I were him, I would accept the fight with Benavidez and show the world that he is the strongest.” But he doesn't seem to have the courage to do it. It's a shame because he has a lot of talent but no heart.”
After his first showdown with his opponent on May 4, the defending undisputed super middleweight champion spoke to FightHub TV. Asked about Mike Tyson's comments, Canelo replied, “I respect his opinion as long as he's calm.”
Boxing fans and boxing pundits have known for quite some time that Canelo Alvarez was dodging David Benavidez. After the Alvarez vs. Munguia showdown, when Canelo gave a ridiculous response to a legitimate question, he poured sauce on his ducks.
A tactic some boxers use when attempting to execute a duck is to sacrifice themselves. Canelo used this method when asked about a future fight with David Benavidez.
“Maybe, who knows, but you know he's not going to bring me anything. He's only going to gain 25 pounds for the fight that night,” Canelo said. Alvarez continued, “If one of the promoters I work for comes and says they're going to offer you 150 million to 200 million, I'll fight tomorrow. That's the only reason I fight him. is.”
Canelo Alvarez spoke out about David Benavidez's 25-pound hydration scandal, even though Canelo had a 20-pound weight advantage when he fought 36-year-old Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2013. Still, he must have forgotten the fact that he lost.
Another topic for Alvarez was his list of past opponents.In case he didn't know, that's
Conditions to become the defending champion. Of course, we mix in some tune-up fights, but we usually fight the best of the best.
Judging by his demeanor in his latest interview, it's safe to say Alvarez has no intention of defending his title against WBC mandatory David Benavidez or WBA mandatory David Morrell. Alvarez seems determined to stay away from fights that are considered dangerous.
Canelo Alvarez is a legend and has the right to choose his fighters, but at the same time he can't hold his weight class hostage. If being selective is what he wants to do, that's fine and great, but he needs to do the right thing and give back the WBC and WBA world title belts.
