Why Isn't Canelo Fighting Benavidez? Analyzing The Undisputed Super Middleweight's Choices

Aria Freeman

4 min read

Post on May 05, 2025

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Canelo Alvarez's Career Trajectory and Strategic Choices

Canelo Alvarez is known for his meticulous career planning. His ascent to the top has been characterized by a series of calculated choices, prioritizing lucrative bouts while carefully managing risk. He's consistently chosen opponents that maximize his earning potential while minimizing the threat to his undefeated record. This strategic approach, while financially rewarding, raises questions about his willingness to face a formidable challenge like Benavidez.

• Strategic Opponent Choices: Canelo’s fights against Gennady Golovkin, Sergey Kovalev, and Caleb Plant showcase his preference for high-profile opponents, but opponents chosen based on a blend of risk and reward.
• Financial Implications: The financial rewards of fighting established names are significantly higher than facing less-known, though potentially dangerous, contenders like Benavidez. Canelo's business acumen undoubtedly influences his decision-making.
• Risk-Reward Assessment: A fight with Benavidez represents a considerable risk. Benavidez's power and aggressive style could potentially upset Canelo's perfect record. This inherent risk is a key factor in Canelo's decision-making process.

David Benavidez's Rise and Threat to Canelo's Reign

David Benavidez, with his devastating knockout power and relentless aggression, presents a significant threat to Canelo's dominance. His youth and hunger for the championship belts make him a compelling contender, arguably the most deserving challenger for Canelo's titles.

• Impressive Record and Knockout Power: Benavidez boasts an impressive record, punctuated by numerous knockout victories. His devastating power is a major concern for any opponent, including Canelo.
• Top Contender Status: Benavidez's consistent performances and impressive wins solidify his claim as the number one contender. Many boxing experts believe a Canelo-Benavidez fight is the most logical and exciting matchup in the super middleweight division.
• Career Controversies and Setbacks: While Benavidez's talent is undeniable, past controversies surrounding failed drug tests have impacted his career trajectory and may contribute to hesitations in arranging a fight with Canelo.

The Business of Boxing and Promotional Factors

The boxing world is a complex business, and promotional factors play a crucial role in fight negotiations. The involvement of different promoters and broadcasting deals can create significant hurdles in arranging a fight as big as Canelo vs. Benavidez.

• Promotional Influence: The influence of promoters like Eddie Hearn (Matchroom Boxing) and Oscar De La Hoya (Golden Boy Promotions) significantly shapes the landscape of boxing matches. Negotiating a fight between fighters under different promotional banners requires significant compromise and coordination.
• Financial Implications: A Canelo-Benavidez fight would undoubtedly generate enormous revenue, but splitting the profits between promoters and broadcasters adds another layer of complexity to negotiations.
• Television Rights and Broadcast Deals: Securing favorable television rights and broadcast deals is vital for the financial success of any major boxing event. This aspect requires careful planning and can influence the timing and feasibility of a Canelo-Benavidez fight.

Other Potential Opponents and Canelo's Future Plans

While a Benavidez fight remains highly anticipated, Canelo has other options. Moving up or down in weight classes opens doors to fights with different champions, offering lucrative opportunities and strategic advantages.

• Potential Opponents: Names like Dmitry Bivol (light heavyweight) or Jermall Charlo (middleweight) present attractive alternatives for Canelo, offering high-profile matchups with varying degrees of risk and reward.
• Advantages and Disadvantages: Each potential opponent presents unique advantages and disadvantages. Some fights might offer easier wins, safeguarding Canelo's record, while others offer greater financial rewards or the chance to conquer new weight classes.
• Long-Term Career Implications: Canelo's future decisions will shape his legacy. Choosing the right fights at the right time will be crucial for ensuring his place in boxing history.

Conclusion

The absence of a Canelo-Benavidez fight stems from a confluence of factors, including Canelo's strategic career choices, the business complexities of boxing promotions, and the availability of other high-profile opponents. While the matchup remains highly desirable for fans, the reality is that a multitude of factors, from financial incentives to risk assessment and promotional hurdles, are preventing this dream fight from materializing. The potential clash between these two titans remains a tantalizing prospect for boxing fans worldwide. What are your thoughts on the Canelo-Benavidez situation? Who do you think Canelo should fight next? Let's discuss in the comments below!