Canelo vs. Benavidez: The Fight That Never Was
The highly anticipated showdown between Canelo Alvarez and David Benavidez has finally been put to rest, at least according to Canelo's trainer, Eddy Reynoso. In a recent interview, Reynoso poured cold water on any lingering hopes, stating that the window for this fight has closed.
For years, fans have been calling for this clash, especially during the time when both fighters were campaigning at super-middleweight. Benavidez, a formidable force, has been pushing for the opportunity to challenge the legendary Canelo. Despite the demand and Benavidez's later position as the WBC mandatory challenger, the fight never materialized.
Canelo, however, has remained steadfast at 168lbs, a decision that seems to have sealed the fate of the Benavidez fight. Reynoso, in his interview with Ring Magazine, revealed that Canelo plans to continue his reign at super-middleweight, a division that is now heating up with new opportunities.
"We're going to stay at super middleweight for now," Reynoso stated. "The division is heating up, and we can really stay busy there for the foreseeable future."
Benavidez, on the other hand, has evolved. He has moved up to light-heavyweight and even cruiserweight, where he has made a name for himself as a leading contender at 200lbs, winning the unified championship against Gilberto Ramirez. This weight change appears to have dealt a fatal blow to the Benavidez-Canelo fight.
When asked about the possibility of the fight, Reynoso was unequivocal.
"That fight against Benavidez is done," he said. "There was a time when that fight could have been made at 168, and it didn’t happen, so it’s done. He is now fighting at cruiserweight. There is a better chance for Benavidez to fight Oleksandr Usyk than there is to fight Canelo."
Reynoso's comments suggest that the Benavidez camp should not hold their breath for a positive response, despite their willingness to take the fight at 175lbs, a weight Canelo has successfully fought at twice.
As Canelo prepares to return in October to reclaim his WBC belt against Christian Mbilli, Benavidez may be eyeing a different challenge, potentially two divisions up, as per recent reports. The question remains: what does this mean for the future of these two boxing legends?
In my opinion, the Benavidez-Canelo fight was always a bit of a pipe dream. While Benavidez is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with, Canelo's dominance at 168lbs and his strategic decision to stay in that division make it clear that the fight was never truly on the table. The evolution of Benavidez's career, moving up in weight, further solidifies this. It's a reminder that in boxing, as in life, things change, and sometimes, the fight you want just isn't meant to be.
This development raises a deeper question: what does the future hold for these two fighters? Will Benavidez find success in his new weight division, and will Canelo continue his reign at super-middleweight? The boxing world awaits with bated breath, eager to see what unfolds in the ever-evolving landscape of the sport.
