Jose Benavidez Sr. has stirred the boxing world by suggesting that Canelo Alvarez is feeling the heat from fans to face his son, David Benavidez, the “Mexican Monster.” He argues that Canelo can’t escape this pressure, and if he doesn’t take the fight, it will forever haunt him. Benavidez Sr. believes that Canelo is avoiding a challenge that could define his career and legacy.
On the other hand, critics point out that Benavidez himself hasn’t taken on top-tier opponents to solidify his claim for a bout with Canelo. They suggest that Benavidez should face other formidable contenders like Dmitry Bivol, David Morrell, Jermall Charlo, Artur Beterbiev, Terence Crawford, and Janibek Alimkhanuly to earn his shot. Benavidez’s recent choice to fight Demetrius Andrade, who is relatively new to the super middleweight division, instead of taking on a dangerous challenger like Morrell, raises questions about his readiness for Canelo.
Benavidez Sr.’s obsession with Canelo is seen by some as a shortcut to fame and a significant payday, rather than a desire to prove his son's worth through rigorous challenges. He believes a fight against Canelo would be monumental, attracting widespread interest and potentially being the most lucrative of Canelo's career.
Jose Sr. dismisses the notion that his fixation on Canelo is driven by financial motives, claiming they are more interested in proving David’s prowess in the ring. He accuses Canelo of avoiding the challenge posed by his son, labeling it as “panicking” under pressure from fans and the boxing community.
This situation has sparked debate within the boxing community. While some see Canelo as avoiding a significant challenge, others believe it’s up to Benavidez to earn his shot at the undisputed super middleweight champion by facing and defeating other top contenders first. The standoff between these two camps continues to fuel speculation and anticipation in the boxing world.
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