Canelo Alvarez has expressed doubt about David Benavidez’s capabilities now that he is fighting in his natural weight class at 175.
“He’ll do nothing at 175,” Alvarez predicts, reflecting the sentiment of many boxing fans. Without the size advantage he had at 168, Benavidez is seen as an average fighter at 175, heading towards mediocrity.
If Canelo’s prediction about Benavidez’s future at 175 turns out to be true, Benavidez could lose his status as a major contender after facing the winner of the upcoming light heavyweight championship fight on October 12th between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.
Benavidez is expected to lose to the winner of the championship fight and slide down the ranks at 175. Despite this, he is likely to earn a good paycheck from the match and live comfortably in Seattle, Washington.
The outlook for Benavidez at 175 appears bleak. He may not be as successful in this weight class, according to Canelo Alvarez.
“It’s his weight class. 175 is his weight class, and you know he’ll do nothing at 175, really,” said Alvarez, sharing his thoughts on Benavidez’s potential at light heavyweight. “He’s not the same, but it’s his weight class, 175.
“I don’t want to say what he has to do to have the fight. Like I say. If the money is right, I’m in. I always fought against everyone you ask. Everyone you mention to me, but now, it’s the time for me to ask. If they want me to fight them, they need to pay me good,” added Canelo.
While Canelo is open to fighting Benavidez, he expects to be compensated well for the match. Previously asking for $200 million, it remains uncertain if that figure still stands.
It is unlikely that anyone will pay such a large sum for a fight against Benavidez, especially after he potentially loses to Beterbiev or Bivol. A matchup between Canelo and Benavidez may not be as attractive to fans following Benavidez’s defeat.
Benavidez appeared to struggle in his debut at 175, barely defeating Oleksandr Gvozdyk. While winning the WBC interim title, he seemed fatigued and weaker at the weight class, indicating a challenging adjustment for him.
If Benavidez continues in the 175 division, he may eventually rise to the top after Bivol and Beterbiev retire. However, his difficulties against Gvozdyk suggest that he may not dominate the division due to the absence of a significant size advantage.
There is speculation that Benavidez might consider returning to the 168-lb division, but this could be challenging given his age and weight gain.
