Canelo Vs. Benavidez: Why The Fight Might Not Happen

Rajiv Sharma

4 min read

Post on May 04, 2025

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The highly anticipated clash between pound-for-pound king Canelo Alvarez and rising super middleweight star David Benavidez has boxing fans buzzing. The potential for an explosive, action-packed fight is undeniable. However, despite the seemingly perfect matchup on paper, several significant obstacles stand in the way of this dream fight becoming a reality. This article delves into the key reasons why a Canelo vs. Benavidez fight might never happen, examining the weight class issues, promotional roadblocks, and strategic considerations involved.

Weight Class Discrepancies and Rehydration Issues

The difference in how Canelo and Benavidez approach their weight classes presents a major challenge. Canelo Alvarez typically competes at super middleweight (168 lbs) or light heavyweight (175 lbs), occasionally venturing into cruiserweight for select fights. David Benavidez, on the other hand, is a naturally larger fighter, frequently competing at super middleweight and possessing significant power.

• Canelo's Weight Challenges: Canelo's history includes instances where making weight has been difficult, adding another layer of complexity to a potential matchup with Benavidez. Moving up significantly in weight to compete with Benavidez presents substantial risks.

• Rehydration Concerns: The issue extends beyond just the fight night weight. The rehydration process after the weigh-in can significantly impact a boxer's size and strength. Canelo moving up dramatically would exacerbate the size and power differential, creating a potentially unsafe and unfair fight.

• Injury Risk: For Canelo, fighting significantly above his typical weight class carries a heightened risk of injury. The strain on his body could be substantial, jeopardizing his career and long-term health. This risk alone makes a Benavidez fight a significant gamble for the pound-for-pound king.

Promotional and Contractual Hurdles

A significant barrier to the Canelo vs. Benavidez fight lies in the complexities of the boxing promotional landscape. Canelo Alvarez is currently under contract with DAZN/Golden Boy Promotions, while Benavidez is aligned with Premier Boxing Champions (PBC).

• Competing Promotions: These are two major and often competing promotional entities. Negotiating a deal that satisfies both promotional companies, along with the fighters and their respective teams, is extraordinarily difficult.

• Financial Disagreements: Significant disagreements over purse bids, broadcasting rights, and other financial aspects are almost certain to arise. The financial stakes for such a high-profile fight are enormous, increasing the potential for conflict.

• Logistical Challenges: Coordinating schedules, securing a suitable venue, and managing the various logistical aspects of staging such a massive event add further complexity and potential for delays or cancellations.

Canelo's Strategic Choices and Opponent Selection

Canelo Alvarez is known for his strategic approach to opponent selection. He carefully considers the balance between marketability and competitive risk when choosing his adversaries.

• Risk Assessment: Benavidez represents a considerably higher risk for Canelo compared to other potential opponents. His power and aggressive fighting style present a genuine threat to Canelo's undefeated record.

• Maintaining Reputation: Canelo's preference for carefully selecting opponents reflects his desire to maintain his undefeated record and his status as a pound-for-pound great. A loss to Benavidez would be a significant blow to his image and legacy.

• Business Decisions: Ultimately, Canelo's decision-making is driven by a combination of sporting and business considerations. The potential financial rewards and long-term career implications influence his choices.

Benavidez's Performance and Past Issues

David Benavidez's past controversies, particularly failed drug tests, add another dimension to the challenges surrounding a potential fight with Canelo.

• Failed Drug Tests: Benavidez's history of failed drug tests casts a shadow over his career and could impact his ability to secure high-profile fights, particularly against a fighter of Canelo's stature.

• Reputation and Sponsorships: These past controversies can damage his reputation and impact his ability to attract lucrative sponsorships, adding further complications to the possibility of a Canelo fight.

• Media Scrutiny: A Canelo vs. Benavidez fight would generate intense media scrutiny. Benavidez's past could lead to negative media coverage, potentially overshadowing the sporting event itself.

Conclusion

While a Canelo vs. Benavidez fight represents a highly appealing matchup for boxing fans worldwide, several significant hurdles prevent its realization. Weight class differences, promotional conflicts, Canelo's strategic approach, and Benavidez's past controversies all contribute to the unlikelihood of this dream bout happening in the near future. The obstacles are substantial, and overcoming them would require significant compromises from all parties involved.

Call to Action: Despite the obstacles, the desire for a Canelo vs. Benavidez fight remains strong. Keep following the boxing news to stay updated on any potential developments in this exciting, albeit unlikely, matchup. Let us know in the comments what you think – will we ever see a Canelo Alvarez vs. David Benavidez fight?