De La Hoya, now a bitter rival of Canelo, believes David Benavidez might be the first to knock out the Mexican superstar. The 27-year-old Benavidez currently holds the WBC Interim Light-Heavyweight Championship and will face David Morrell in early 2025.
Canelo has dominated boxing for years. He's won world titles in four divisions and easily beaten every man in the super-middleweight division. His only losses came by decision to Floyd Mayweather and Dmitry Bivol.
But fans, pundits, and fellow fighters see Benavidez as a real threat to Canelo's reign. De La Hoya shared his thoughts in an interview with Fight Hub TV:
"I think he knocks him out. Benavidez is a monster. He throws literally an average of above 50 to 55 punches a round. Canelo and Charlo, in the first round they threw one punch. Combined."
De La Hoya pointed out that Benavidez is young, strong, and very versatile. He throws a lot of punches, which could be a problem for Canelo. But he also noted that Canelo's powerful right hand is always a threat.
Benavidez recently moved up to light-heavyweight and became the WBC Interim Champion. He's set to fight David Morrell in early 2025.
Meanwhile, Canelo is coming off a routine points win over Edgar Berlanga. His next opponent isn't set yet, but he'll return to the ring in May.