David Benavidez remains frustrated by Canelo Alvarez’s avoidance over the last half-decade, as he feels deliberately dodged. He suspects a personal animosity from Canelo towards him.
Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs), the current WBC light heavyweight titleholder, still hopes for a future clash with Canelo. Despite the passage of time, he clings to the belief that Canelo might eventually grant him the opportunity to compete.
Labeled as an Obsession by Spectators
Observers perceive Benavidez as fixated on Canelo, unable to relinquish his desire to share the squared circle with the celebrated Mexican boxer.
This Saturday, Benavidez is the main attraction on the Ring IV event, defending his WBC belt against Anthony Yarde (27-3, 24 KOs) on November 22nd at the ANB Arena in Riyadh. It appears to be not enough to bring Canelo into the picture, as Benavidez still yearns for that fight.
“I simply think he dislikes me on a personal level. He doesn’t appreciate that I’ve been constantly calling him out,” David Benavidez expressed to Ring Magazine, explaining why Canelo Alvarez hasn’t accepted a fight with him. “Everyone he faces treats him with reverence. But I don’t care. We’re fighters.”
Benavidez’s persistent pursuit of Canelo is possibly hindering his chances. His eagerness for the match surpasses that of other fighters, potentially working against him. Canelo might be hesitant to engage with a fighter who appears overly eager for the matchup.
Benavidez’s Perspective on the Conflict
“I maintained a respectful attitude towards him for a considerable period. Subsequently, they repeatedly challenged me, making disparaging remarks about me, asserting my inadequacy and lack of dedication, and labeling me a drug user,” Benavidez recounted. “That’s when I started to defend myself. ‘Alright, if that’s all I am, then come and shut me up. Come and prove that I’m insignificant.'”
Canelo’s unfavorable assessment of Benavidez doesn’t obligate him to accept a fight. It suggests he views him as someone unworthy of respect based on his career trajectory. Benavidez’s past failure in a drug test certainly cast a shadow on his image.
“They can’t argue that they won’t give David Benavidez a chance because he doesn’t deserve the financial reward. The entire boxing community is demanding this fight. Everyone desires to witness this fight. It aligns with every facet of the sport,” Benavidez stated.
Canelo’s Perceived Decline Alters the Dynamics
Presently, there appears to be diminishing enthusiasm for a Benavidez-Canelo showdown compared to previous times. Canelo’s defeat against Crawford last September, along with his underwhelming performances against Edgar Berlanga and Jaime Munguia, have lessened the allure of a clash with ‘The Mexican Monster.’
“I’m uncertain about the nature of his issue with me. I suspect he’s aware of the potential outcome if he were to face me in the ring. I’m not one of those fighters who takes things lightly, and I approach everything with seriousness. I believe he dislikes me,” Benavidez remarked.
Had Benavidez ceased his relentless pursuit of Canelo years ago, he might have secured a fight. However, he seems to have strained his relationship with the Mexican star, potentially making it too late.
“I’m uncertain if he’s wary of having the Mexican people rally behind me. I’m unsure of the reason, but he’s undoubtedly aware of what would happen to him if he were to enter the ring with me,” Benavidez concluded.
