David Benavidez stepped into the ring at 175 pounds for the first time, but his debut at this weight class didn’t convince everyone. After a unanimous decision win over Oleksandr Gvozdyk, Benavidez became the WBC Interim Light Heavyweight Champion. However, Canelo Alvarez, a seasoned veteran, wasn’t impressed. Canelo openly questioned whether Benavidez, who struggled against the 37-year-old Gvozdyk, truly belonged in this new weight class.
Canelo’s 175-Pound Skepticism: Benavidez’s Unconvincing Victory
In the recent past, Canelo Alvarez questioned David Benavidez’s decision to ascend to the 175-pound division after his first bout in the new division. Benavidez was able to get the better of Oleksandr Gvozdyk win by unanimous decision and become the WBC Interim Light Heavyweight Champion. He puts himself in the position of the mandatory contender for the champion in a fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol which is expected to happen on October 12. However, Canelo wasn’t impressed.
Nonetheless, Benavidez’s fight was quite unimpressive. He could not knock out the 37-year-old Gvozdyk, who had retired in 2019. Benavidez’s punches appeared to have far less force than he exhibited at 168, and he even admitted after the fight that he had hurt his hand during the fight. Observing Benavidez, Canelo concluded the latter appeared uncomfortable fighting at 175 pounds.
Canelo Criticizes Benavidez’s Performance at Light Heavyweight
Canelo didn’t hold back in his assessment: “I think that’s his weight class. 175 lbs. And you can see he’s very different. He can’t do anything with a fighter who retired in 2019. It’s different when you’re in your weight class and fighting with guys in your weight.”
However, there are a few things to keep in mind. The first fight in a new weight class is always challenging. Benavidez was used to having a size advantage over his opponents, but Gvozdyk was no easy target. With years of experience in the light heavyweight division and having sparred with Benavidez in the past, Gvozdyk knew how to prepare and put up a strong fight.
Canelo vs. Benavidez: A Fight on Hold or a Strategic Play?
There’s also speculation about whether Canelo might be avoiding Benavidez. Benavidez’s run at 168 pounds had naturally come to an end, where he had held the WBC Interim Super Middleweight title for over two years. When discussions arose about a fight with Canelo, a $200 million demand from Canelo’s side seemed like a tactic to avoid the match. Canelo’s past fights with lighter opponents, like Amir Khan and Jermell Charlo, suggest that he might be cautious about facing Benavidez.
Benavidez had even agreed to a rehydration clause to make the fight happen, but Canelo’s choice to face Edgar Berlanga instead raised eyebrows. Still, there’s hope for a future match. Turki al-sheik, who has been involved in organizing big fights, remains optimistic that a Benavidez-Canelo showdown could be arranged during the Riyadh Season. “Nothing is impossible,” he said, hinting at the potential for a blockbuster fight.
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