Canelo Alvarez Explains His Annoyance With David Benavidez

Omar Yusuf

5 min read

Post on May 04, 2025

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Canelo's Criticism of Benavidez's Fighting Style

Canelo Alvarez, known for his calculated and precise boxing style, has reportedly expressed criticism of David Benavidez's aggressive, all-out approach. This stylistic clash forms a key element of Canelo's annoyance.

• Lack of Finesse: Canelo's fighting style emphasizes precision, ring generalship, and strategic counter-punching. He might view Benavidez's style as overly reliant on raw power and less refined technique. This perceived lack of finesse could be a major source of Canelo's frustration. He likely values calculated boxing tactics over a purely aggressive approach.

• Power over Technique: Benavidez is undeniably a powerful puncher, but Canelo might argue that this power comes at the expense of technical skill and defensive awareness. Canelo's preference for a more nuanced, defensive style contrasts sharply with Benavidez's all-out assault.

• Ring Generalship: A significant difference lies in ring generalship. Canelo expertly controls the pace and distance of a fight, whereas Benavidez often favors a relentless forward pressure. This fundamental difference in approach contributes to Canelo's assessment of Benavidez as a less skillful opponent.

• Stylistic Comparison: Comparing their ring performances highlights this key difference. Canelo's fights often showcase masterful defense and calculated offense, while Benavidez's are characterized by high-octane action and a willingness to absorb punishment to land powerful blows.

Benavidez's Repeated Calls for a Fight and Canelo's Response

David Benavidez has repeatedly and publicly challenged Canelo Alvarez to a fight, adding fuel to the fire of this boxing rivalry. Canelo's response, however, has been far from enthusiastic.

• Persistent Public Challenges: Benavidez's persistent calls for a fight have kept the pressure on Canelo, amplifying the public's anticipation for a potential clash between these two super middleweight powerhouses.

• Canelo's Avoidance and Reasoning: Canelo's avoidance of a Benavidez fight has sparked speculation. Possible reasons include focusing on other opponents, perceived weight class issues (discussed below), or strategic career management decisions related to maintaining his undefeated record and securing the most lucrative contracts.

• Financial and Reputational Implications: A Canelo-Benavidez fight would undoubtedly be a massive event, carrying significant financial implications for both fighters. However, for Canelo, there's also a reputational risk involved in facing such an aggressive and powerful opponent.

• Alternative Opponents: Canelo has consistently chosen opponents carefully, strategically building his career. While Benavidez represents a significant challenge, Canelo's team might see other opponents as offering less risk, or greater financial reward at this stage of his career.

• Statements from Canelo's Team: While Canelo himself hasn't explicitly detailed his reasons for not facing Benavidez, his team's statements (if any) would shed further light on this ongoing saga.

The Weight Class Factor and its Role in the Rivalry

The weight class presents a potential, yet arguably minor, obstacle to a Canelo-Benavidez fight.

• Weight Differences: While both fighters operate in the super middleweight division, slight weight discrepancies might necessitate negotiations or weight adjustments for a fight to occur. This potentially complicates the already strained relationship.

• Weight Adjustments and Concessions: A successful fight might require concessions from either fighter, potentially affecting training strategies and performance.

• Impact of Weight on Fighting Styles: Weight affects strength, power, and stamina, potentially impacting both fighters' preferred styles.

• Strategic Maneuver?: Some analysts believe the weight class issue is a strategically deployed obstacle to avoid a challenging fight, rather than an insurmountable hurdle.

The Impact of Past Performances and Future Implications

The rivalry between Canelo and Benavidez is significantly shaped by their past performances and future career aspirations.

• Past Performances and Future Goals: Both fighters have impressive records, yet their paths differ. Canelo has consistently aimed for high-profile fights and undisputed championships, while Benavidez is still building towards that status. Their career trajectories inevitably influence their willingness to face each other.

• Impact on Legacy: A fight (or lack thereof) would inevitably impact the legacies of both fighters. For Canelo, avoiding Benavidez could be seen as a missed opportunity to cement his status as an all-time great by facing a formidable undefeated challenger. For Benavidez, it remains a hurdle to prove himself against the best.

• Future Career Paths: The outcome of any potential negotiations or a hypothetical fight significantly impacts their future career paths, shaping the opportunities and challenges each will face in the years to come.

Conclusion

Canelo Alvarez's annoyance with David Benavidez stems from a complex interplay of stylistic differences, strategic maneuvering, and potential (though arguably minor) weight class issues. While Benavidez's persistent calls for a fight highlight the public's desire to see this clash of styles, Canelo's responses reveal a carefully calculated approach to his career trajectory. The future of this rivalry remains uncertain, but its implications for the super middleweight division are undeniable.

Call to Action: What do you think about Canelo Alvarez's stance on a fight with David Benavidez? Share your thoughts on the Canelo-Benavidez rivalry in the comments below! Let the discussion on the Canelo Alvarez annoyance begin!