Why Canelo Might Be Avoiding A Fight With Benavidez

Henrik Larsen

4 min read

Post on May 04, 2025

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Benavidez's Undisputed Super Middleweight Title: A Threat to Canelo's Legacy

David Benavidez presents a formidable threat to Canelo Álvarez's dominance and legacy. His undefeated record, coupled with an aggressive, power-punching style, makes him a dangerous opponent for even the most skilled boxer. The "Destroyer," as he's known, poses a significant challenge to Canelo's reign.

A Threat to Canelo's Legacy

• Unmatched Power: Benavidez boasts devastating knockout power, having secured numerous victories by way of TKO. His punching strength is a significant factor that could overwhelm Canelo's defensive strategies.
• Youth and Potential: Benavidez is significantly younger than Canelo, giving him a clear advantage in terms of stamina and potential for continued improvement. This youthfulness presents a considerable challenge for an aging champion.
• Legacy on the Line: A victory for Benavidez would not only snatch Canelo's titles but also dramatically reshape the narrative of his career, potentially overshadowing his numerous achievements. The implications for Canelo's legacy are enormous.
• Stylistic Mismatch: Benavidez's relentless pressure and aggressive style could expose vulnerabilities in Canelo's more calculated and defensive approach. This potential stylistic mismatch makes the fight a high-stakes gamble for Canelo.

Canelo's Strategic Risk Assessment: Avoiding a Difficult Fight

For Canelo Álvarez, a fight with Benavidez represents a significant strategic risk. While a victory would cement his legacy further, a defeat would have profound consequences.

Avoiding a Difficult Fight

• Age and Vulnerability: Canelo is no longer in the prime of his career. Facing a younger, stronger, and more aggressive opponent like Benavidez significantly increases the chance of defeat.
• Financial Implications: A loss would have substantial financial implications, impacting sponsorship deals, future fight purses, and overall marketability. The risk outweighs the reward, financially speaking, for Canelo.
• Marketability and Future Fights: A defeat could significantly impact Canelo's marketability, diminishing his drawing power and potentially limiting future lucrative fight opportunities.
• Recent Fight Choices: A careful examination of Canelo's recent fight selections reveals a pattern of choosing opponents who present less risk, suggesting a calculated approach to preserving his undefeated record.

The Business of Boxing and Promotional Conflicts: Network and Promotional Barriers

The complex world of boxing promotions and network deals plays a significant role in the absence of a Canelo vs Benavidez fight. Promotional hurdles and conflicting interests often outweigh the fans' desire to see this clash.

Network and Promotional Barriers

• DAZN and PBC Influence: The involvement of different networks like DAZN and Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) adds layers of complexity to fight negotiations. These networks often have competing interests, making agreement on a fight difficult.
• Contractual Obstacles: Contractual obligations and disagreements over purse distribution can easily derail negotiations, even when both fighters express interest.
• Strategic Maneuvering: Promoters may strategically maneuver to protect their fighters, ensuring lucrative matchups that minimize risk and maximize profit. A Benavidez fight might not be the most financially advantageous or strategically sound option for Canelo's team.

Other Potential Opponents and Canelo's Career Trajectory: Alternative Matchups and Financial Considerations

Beyond Benavidez, other opponents present less risk and potentially greater financial rewards for Canelo. His career trajectory may prioritize longevity and consistent income over a potentially damaging fight with the "Destroyer."

Alternative Matchups and Financial Considerations

• Less Risky, More Lucrative: Canelo's team might be prioritizing fights that guarantee high paydays with a lower chance of losing. This is a pragmatic approach for a boxer at this stage in his career.
• Weight Class Considerations: Canelo might be exploring fights in different weight classes, where he faces less formidable opponents and can extend his career.
• Long-Term Financial Strategy: The financial implications of a lengthy career must be considered. Choosing less-risky fights safeguards long-term earning potential.

Conclusion

The absence of a Canelo vs Benavidez fight stems from a confluence of factors. Canelo's strategic risk assessment, the intricate web of promotional politics, and the lucrative opportunities presented by alternative opponents all contribute to the delay (or potential cancellation) of this highly anticipated showdown. The potential rewards for Canelo are outweighed by the significant risks involved in facing Benavidez's youth, power, and relentless aggression.

What do you think about a potential Canelo vs Benavidez fight? Will we ever see Canelo face Benavidez in the ring? Discuss the possibility of a Canelo vs Benavidez showdown in the comments below!