On the night of May 4 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, it was Mexico vs. Mexico as undisputed world super-middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez defeated Jaime Munguia (43-1, 34 KOs) by unanimous decision.
The last time Canelo fought his fellow Mexican was seven years ago when he defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in 2017. The night of May 4th unfolded according to plan as the challenger put in a strong effort, but champion Canelo Alvarez, showed that he is at his best. Jaime Munguia.
Munguia found success in the opening round as he turned the tables with a jab and targeted Canelo's body. The challenger continued to stick to his game plan in the second round as Munguia worked off the jab and threw his combinations.
Through three rounds of boxing, Munguia was in a good position, but late in the fourth, Canelo landed a high uppercut that sent Munguia crashing to the canvas. The fight was revolutionary as counterattacks, timing, and well-placed shots were key factors in Alvarez earning a unanimous decision victory.
As soon as Alvarez collected the 61st victory of his illustrious boxing career, he was asked the obvious question. During the post-fight interview, sportscaster Jim Gray asked Canelo a David Benavidez question.
“David Benavidez is someone that everyone in the country and the world would love to see fight. He said earlier this week that he was determined. What are your thoughts right now?” Jim Gray asked.
“I do not know yet. I'm going to rest, I'm going to enjoy my family, but you know if the money is right, I'm ready to go. If the money is right, I can fight right now, I don't give a sh#t,” Canelo replied.
When Canelo initially failed to commit to a fight with David Benavidez, the fans at the T-Mobile Arena started booing. Canelo tried to change his statement back to approving the fans by saying he will fight Benavidez if the money is right, but what does that mean?
Back in March of this year, Canelo Alvarez said he wanted $200 million to fight David Benavidez. This is a strange request as Canelo has consistently stated that David Benavidez brings nothing to the table but 25 extra pounds.
If a boxer does not want to fight another boxer, he usually uses a method known as pricing himself out. They will come up with a figure that they know the promoters will not pay. For example, Canelo signed a three-fight deal with the PBC worth $100 million, but he is asking for $200 million to fight David Benavidez.
Canelo's money request for the Benavidez fight is absolutely ridiculous. The high dollar figure represents the level of risk Canelo feels he faces in a fight with Benavidez. Before the Canelo-Munguia clash, Benavidez commented on the price tag of $200 million.
“No one will give 200 million for that. “If someone adds 200 million, we will make a go fund account, maybe we will get it, but at the moment, no one is donating 200 million for that fight,” said Benavidez.
David Benavidez feels he has earned the right to challenge for the uncontested super-middleweight crown, but unfortunately Canelo continues to make excuses. Outside of Canelo's core fans, most boxing fans and pundits have seen Canelo Alvarez knock out David Benavidez.
“I think he is about to be put in a corner now where he runs out of excuses. He said that what I am bringing is 25 pounds and I am nothing, but he is asking for 200 million.” Benavidez continued, “To me it looks like fear. It looks like you are afraid of me.”
Since defeating Munguia, Canelo Alvarez will appear in the ring again in September. If David Benavidez can get past Oleksandr Gvozdyk in his light heavyweight debut in June, Benavidez said he is willing to return to 168 to face Canelo in September.
If Benavidez wins on June 15, the Canelo vs Benavidez clash could be the biggest fight of 2024. That fight could be a big one, but Canelo may once again fight the opposition like Edgar Berlanga (22-0, 17 KOs) did. campaigning for the September fight with Canelo.
“I mean, I don't want to talk too much about that. I really have no idea,” said Benavidez. “Berlanga feels like he won it, but the fans know who really won that fight, and I leave it to the fans, ask them what fight they want to see and they will tell you.”
David Benavidez (28-0, 24 KOs) has won two title fights and won the Canelo fight, but unfortunately Canelo doesn't want to risk fighting a boxer of Benavidez's caliber. If Benavidez wins on June 15th, Canelo will face more testing.
The public's demand for Canelo to fight David Benavidez will only intensify, and unfortunately for Canelo the public is tired of his sales tactics. With that being said, it's safe to say that on Saturday night June 15th, Canelo Alvarez will be fighting Oleksandr Gvozdyk.
Source link
