Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez faces accusations of dodging David Benavidez, the top contender in the super-middleweight division. The Mexican star, known for taking on tough challenges, claims Benavidez doesn't bring enough to the table to warrant a fight.
Canelo has ruled the 168-pound ranks since 2021. He's defended his undisputed status against big names like Gennady Golovkin, John Ryder, Jermell Charlo, and Jaime Munguia. But the IBF recently stripped him of their belt for not facing his mandatory challenger.
Now, Canelo's next fight looks set to be against Edgar Berlanga. Meanwhile, 27-year-old Benavidez has given up his mandatory position at 168 and moved up to light-heavyweight. He's now first in line to face the winner of the Artur Beterbiev-Dmitry Bivol undisputed fight.
Former super-middleweight champ James Toney didn't mince words when asked about the situation. In an interview with FightHype, Toney said:
"He's not ducking Benavidez, he's running fast and furiously. He's gone. He ain't ever trying to look at David Benavidez. He don't want that smoke. If he claims to be the best fighter in the world, you gonna fight the best fighter, you know what I'm saying? I fought everybody. If he called me out, I'd be like 'bitch I got you next.'"
Toney's words carry weight. He fought 92 times as a pro, losing just 10 and never getting stopped early. He was known for his grit in the ring.
Canelo argues that Benavidez doesn't bring anything to the table except "25 pounds extra weight on fight night." He's even said he'd need $200 million to consider the bout.
The situation leaves Canelo open to criticism for avoiding a top challenger. Benavidez has moved on to chase opportunities at light-heavyweight. The chances of this fight happening seem slimmer than ever.
