December 2, 2023
Source: Boxing Scene
Photo Source: Boxing Scene
The work Canelo Alvarez has put in is something he’s proud of. He doesn’t want to come across as someone filled with hubris but he knows only a handful can match his accomplishments. (photo by Ryan Hafey).
Once Alvarez comes to the conclusion that his body can no longer handle extreme punishment, he’ll walk away. But until then, he’ll continue to fight at a high level.
With world titles in four separate weight classes, including a current undisputed reign at 168 pounds, there’s little left that Alvarez needs to do. However, while it feels as though he’s faced practically every top name, David Benavidez believes he’s earned his shot.
This year, the 26-year-old refrained from making so much noise vocally and instead proved his worth inside the ring. To kick off his year, Benavidez pulled out a fairly close decision against Caleb Plant. If that wasn’t enough, Demetrius Andrade became his next victim.
A jam-packed crowd at the Michelob Ultra Arena watched as Benavidez struggled with the crafty former champ. But, as the 26-year-old began figuring things out, Andrade realized he was in over his head. By the time the bell rang to signal the start of the seventh, the former Olympian remained seated on his stool, unwilling to go through another brutal round.
On paper, a win over Andrade would appear to be the biggest of Benavidez’s career. Openly, he’s now hoping that Alvarez will give him the chance he believes he’s earned.
To a certain extent, Alvarez moves to the beat of his own drum. The perpetual call-outs no longer annoy him and the verbal threats are something he simply ignores. But while Alvarez firmly believes that he’s reached a point where he doesn’t need to prove himself to anyone, Benavidez doesn’t share that belief. Until he proves that he can beat him in the ring,
Benavidez is convinced that Alvarez’s name will be dragged through the mud.
“I feel like Canelo does need me,” Benavidez told Pro Box TV. “If he really wants to cement his legacy and make big fights happen. At the end of the day, he’s fighting for money too. He gets paid a lot. I think if he wants to keep getting paid like this then this is the biggest fight to make. Boxing needs this fight.”
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