Oscar De La Hoya Says Benavidez Deserves A Title Shot Against Canelo
Oscar De La Hoya states that David Benavidez deserves a title shot against Canelo Alvarez.
The Mexican Monster had an impressive 2023, as he kept his position as the WBC Interim Champion at 168. He secured wins over Caleb Plant and Demetrius Andrade to increase the calls on him to fight Alvarez. While that may have been the case, Alvarez has not shown a pressing desire to fight him.
Reports indicate that Jermall Charlo and Jaime Munguia are the leading names to face Alvarez on Cinco De Mayo Weekend. But even if that is the case, there is hope that Canelo vs. Benavidez will take place on Mexican Independence Day. Regardless of the case, De La Hoya felt Benavidez deserved his shot.
De La Hoya On Benavidez
“Look, the 168-pound division is stacked, it is exciting, and Benavidez deserves a world title opportunity. He’s been waiting in line for I don’t know how long. So, there’s a lotta players now at 168. Benavidez, I love. His style is incredible. He’s an amazing, amazing fighter.
“I love his attitude, I love what he represents, I love his work ethic. Yeah, he deserves a shot. And right now, Canelo Alvarez is the king. And the king has to decide. But like I said before, the media can help, the fans can help, and decide what Canelo’s next fight should be, after he fights Charlo,” Oscar De La Hoya said
Nevertheless, De La Hoya also has plans for Munguia to take on Canelo. The Mexican stopped John Ryder in his last fight, dropping him four times, on his way to stopping the Brit in the ninth round. Munguia called out Canelo in his post-fight comments, setting the narrative for an all-Mexican clash.
The current expectation is for Canelo to face Benavidez since he has been in the mandatory position much longer. Benavidez also poses Canelo’s biggest test since the Bivol defeat, making it the fight on everyone’s lips.
De La Hoya On Munguia
The Bivol rematch failed. There were suggestions that Canelo ducked him since the Russian wanted the fight at 168 rather than at 175 again. The same accusations are now being levelled against Canelo, claiming he is avoiding Benavidez. And yet, De La Hoya also wanted to see Munguia get his chance, even if he wanted the same for Benavidez.
“I talked to Freddie Roach right after the fight in the ring and he looked at me and smiled. And he said, ‘This is just the beginning. You wait and see.’ So, I’m excited for Jaime’s future. I’m excited that he made a statement. Along these lines, he added there was now a possibility of Munguia facing Canelo in the ring. “That’s the fight to make. September is the fight to make with Canelo Alvarez. And all of you can hopefully push that. That’s the fight in all Mexican showdown. Imagine that,” De La Hoya stated
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