BENAVIDEZ-MORRELL, CANELO ALVAREZ, ERROL SPENCE || FIGHTHYPE.COM

Thursdays, in this corner of the Universo Pugilistico, are all about my sack– my bulging, bulbous, aching sack– and the gooey, salty truth contained within. So…sit back, close your eyes, pull back your hair, and get ready for this week’s money shot of wisdom. This week we have comments/questions regarding Benavidez-Morrell, Canelo, and Errol Spence.

The Truth About Errol Spence

Hey Paul,

It’s looking more and more like “The Truth” may be done. I’m not sure if the long layoff is from being thoroughly outclassed by Bud Crawford in his last outing, or if he just doesn’t have the desire anymore. His split/lawsuit with Derrick James, weight issues, and PBC is not as active as they once were, could also be a factor. 

He appears to have done well financially. His resume is decent given the competition level in and around his weight class. He probably hasn’t done enough to get in the HOF. But overall IMO he has had a heck of a career. 

Your thoughts?

– Reggie

Hey Reggie.

I’m so glad you sent me this email. I’ve been wanting to talk about Errol Spence for a long while, but I just haven’t had the right opportunity or platform.

I think it’s borderline criminal just how disrespected Spence is by so many boxing fans and media. It’s absolutely disgusting. The weirdo hate coming at Al Haymon and PBC has rubbed off on many PBC fighters, but never has the bias been so egregious and blatantly unfair than in the case of Errol Spence.

The man had a nearly six-year run as top dog in what was a pretty good welterweight division. In that time, he beat most of the top dogs at 147 and unified three of the four belts. Kell Brook, Shawn Porter, Danny Garcia, and Yordenis Ugas represent pretty good high-water mark wins for a championship run. All in all, he went 7-0 with 4 KOs in his championship run, until he met a generational talent in Terence Crawford. And there’s definitely some validity in pointing out that he may have not been at his best when he entered into that bout– a bout, by the way, that he really didn’t have to agree to. 

Hall of Fame worthiness means nothing anymore, but I think one could argue that he’s done enough, under current standards, to make it in. But even if he hasn’t, people need to give the man much more respect than he gets in some quarters. 

Personally, I don’t think Spence has been right since his car accident and I don’t think he feels the urgency to risk his physical health anymore. Good for him. 

Benavidez vs. Morrell

Hey Magno.

I am hyped for this Saturday’s David Benavidez-David Morrell fight. Whoever’s hating on a fight like this between young, undefeated champions can’t be a boxing fan. I got Benavidez breaking Morrell down and stopping him late, but I can see Morrell doing some things in there, too. That’s why I’m so excited. What’s your prediction?

– Anthony R.

Hey Anthony.

The “anything can happen” aspect to this fight is why I’m also excited for Benavidez-Morrell. When you pit two elite-level fighters at the top of their game against one another, anything, really, can happen. I’m also picking Benavidez to win, I’m thinking by decision. But I also see where Morrell could surprise and pick Benavidez apart, utilizing his own particular skill set to box-punch his way to a victory. I like both fighters and think highly of what they both ring to the ring. I’m just going to be sitting back and enjoying this one as a fan.  

Canelo Should Be Embarrassed

Magno.

With Benavidez fighting Morrell and then looking to fight the winner of Beterbiev-Bivol, Canelo Alvarez should be ashamed of himself, staring down fights against William Scull and a second super welterweight champ in two years, Terence Crawford. Canelo is an embarrassment to Mexican boxing and I hope the undersized Bud beats the brakes off him.

– Luis

Hey Luis.

Canelo certainly hasn’t done himself any favors by reacting the way he has when faced with the challenge of David Benavidez. He gave some ridiculous quote recently when asked about Benavidez. I’m paraphrasing, but he said something like “When you come to me in a disrespectful manner, I don’t feel the need to give you money by fighting you.” Well, the reality is that Benavidez was initially very quiet, respectful, and patient in waiting for his deserved shot at Canelo and it got him nowhere. And then, when he became more vocal about pursuing Canelo, that also got him nowhere. So, at some point, you just have to say that Canelo simply didn’t want to fight Benavidez. Alvarez has faced talkers– but, I guess, they had to be talkers he knew he could beat. I don’t know to what extent it affects his legacy, but he clearly avoided Benavidez. That will be regarded as fact.

Btw, I’m on record as predicting that Crawford will beat Canelo. 

Got a question (or hate mail) for Magno’s Bulging Mail Sack? The best of the best gets included in the weekly mailbag segment right here at FightHype. Send your stuff here: paulmagno@theboxingtribune.com.