Jose Benavidez Sr. has launched a scathing critique of Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, accusing the four-division champion of avoiding a fight with his son, David Benavidez. Frustrated by Canelo’s inaction in defending his titles against Benavidez, the elder Benavidez argues that Canelo’s reluctance to engage with the “Mexican Monster” is negatively impacting his reputation among fans. Despite Canelo’s dominance in the super middleweight division, Benavidez Sr. suggests a strategic shift for David, moving up to light heavyweight to challenge for the WBC interim title against Oleksandr Gvozyk and potentially facing the winner of the Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol bout.
The Benavidez camp is enticed by the lucrative opportunities in the light heavyweight division, particularly in Saudi Arabia, which they believe could offer more financial reward than a bout with Canelo. Nonetheless, Benavidez Sr. hints at a possible return to 168 pounds post-Gvozyk fight, though he expresses skepticism about securing a major fight at super middleweight given the current landscape.
Experts and analysts within the boxing community, including Paulie Malignaggi and Teddy Atlas, have echoed Benavidez Sr.’s sentiments, emphasizing the missed opportunity for the sport by not facilitating a clash between Canelo and Benavidez. They argue that such a fight would not only be a spectacle for fans but also a significant boost for boxing’s profile.
Jose Sr.’s strategy involves capitalizing on David’s physical attributes and potential at 175 pounds, acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead in securing meaningful fights at super middleweight. The focus remains on navigating the light heavyweight waters, where a bout against Gvozdyk presents its own set of risks but also a path to establishing David Benavidez as a formidable force across weight classes.
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