Canelo Mocks Benavidez’s First Fight At 175 – ‘He Can’t Do Nothing’
Canelo Alvarez questioned David Benavidez’s move up to 175 pounds as he criticized his first performance in the weight class.
Benavidez beat Oleksandr Gvozdyk via a unanimous decision to become the WBC Interim Light Heavyweight Champion. The win makes Benavidez mandatory for the winner of Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol, who face off for undisputed on October 12. Despite the win, the performance was not convincing.
Benavidez failed to stop an ageing Gvozdyk, who is 37. His punches lacked the power that he showed at 168. Meanwhile, Benavidez was also getting tagged. Benavidez revealed in his post-fight comments that he had injured his hand. Canelo felt Benavidez looked out of his depth.
Canelo On Benavidez
“I think that’s his weight class. 175 lbs. And you can see he’s very different. He can’t do nothing with a fighter who retired in 2019. It’s different when you’re in your weight class and fighting with guys in your weight,” Canelo said
Nevertheless, it is important to consider the following factors. The first fight in a weight class was always going to be tricky. Benavidez is used to having a weight advantage over his opponents. Gvozdyk is also an experienced fighter who has campaigned in the weight class for a prolonged period. He also sparred with Benavidez before, when he admitted that the Mexican Monster had gotten the better of him. He will have used that to his advantage to prepare for the fight, as he put on a determined performance.
Did Canelo Duck?
Benavidez’s time at 168 also came to a natural end. He had been the WBC Interim Super Middleweight Champion for over two years. Canelo demanded $200 million to make the fight. That was seen as a way to price himself out of the fight. Canelo’s comments indicate that he was worried about the difference in weight. And yet, Canelo has boxed other fighters, moving up to a catchweight. He did this against Amir Khan when he moved up from 147 to fight at a weight of 156 pounds.
Canelo faced Jermell Charlo, who moved up two weight classes from 154, as the Mexican secured a one-sided unanimous decision win. Canelo had been criticized for taking that fight rather than facing Benavidez, who was at 168. The Mexican Monster also stated that he would take a rehydration clause if it was enough to get the fight over the line. Canelo’s reluctance to do so suggested he was more concerned about Benavidez’s danger as he chose to face Edgar Berlanga instead. Yet, Turki Alal Sheikh was confident big fights could be made with Canelo.
“He sent me a direct message that he wants to connect after the fight. It is nothing personal. It is business. I’d like to see it again, Crawford, and I’d like to see it against Benavidez. Of course, no one pays this kind of money. Nothing is impossible. Let’s see in the future what happens, but if someone can do it, it’s Riyadh Season,” Turki said
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