Crawford Vs. Canelo: Benavidez Fight Avoidance Due To Disrespect, Not Skill

Omar Yusuf

4 min read

Post on May 05, 2025

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Benavidez's Record and Perceived Skill Level

Analyzing Benavidez’s Wins and Losses

David Benavidez boasts an impressive record, showcasing undeniable power and aggressive fighting style. However, a closer look reveals the quality of his opposition.

• Key Wins: Benavidez's victories over Anthony Dirrell and Ronald Gavril demonstrated his knockout power and ability to overcome tough opponents. However, neither fighter held a comparable ranking or reputation to Crawford or Canelo at the time of their fights.
• Key Losses: Benavidez’s only blemish on his record is a disqualification loss, not a defeat based on skill. This doesn't detract from the debate around his avoidance of top-tier competition.
• Strengths & Weaknesses: Benavidez is a devastating puncher with exceptional power, but questions remain about his defensive capabilities and his ability to handle elite-level boxing skills and ring IQ. His aggressive style, while exciting, can also leave him vulnerable to counter-punchers.

Comparison to Crawford and Canelo

Comparing Benavidez to Crawford and Canelo reveals significant discrepancies.

• Fighting Styles: Canelo Alvarez is a masterful boxer-puncher with exceptional ring generalship and adaptable style. Crawford is renowned for his speed, accuracy, and diverse offensive arsenal. Benavidez's all-out aggression stands in stark contrast, potentially making him susceptible to their superior boxing acumen.
• Power vs. Skill: While Benavidez possesses undeniable power, Crawford and Canelo combine power with unparalleled technical skill, ring IQ, and defensive prowess. This disparity in skill sets forms the core of the argument for skill-based avoidance.
• Experience and Accomplishments: Crawford and Canelo have faced and defeated numerous top-ranked opponents, accumulating vast experience at the highest level of the sport. Benavidez, despite his impressive record, lacks this level of elite competition experience.

The Argument for Disrespect

Benavidez's Public Statements and Actions

While not explicitly disrespectful, Benavidez's silence regarding potential fights with Crawford and Canelo could be interpreted as a lack of interest or confidence. The absence of public calls for these matchups fuels speculation.

• Lack of Public Challenges: Unlike other fighters, Benavidez hasn't actively campaigned for a fight against Crawford or Canelo, a notable absence considering the hype surrounding these potential bouts.
• Selective Opponent Choices: Benavidez's choice of opponents could also be viewed as an attempt to build his record against lesser opposition before taking on the challenge of facing a pound-for-pound great.

Strategic Avoidance vs. Genuine Fear

It's crucial to consider the strategic implications for Benavidez.

• Protecting his Undefeated Record: A loss to Crawford or Canelo could significantly damage his career trajectory, especially considering his relatively less extensive experience against elite opponents.
• Building a Stronger Profile: Facing and defeating less formidable opponents allows Benavidez to build his reputation and increase his marketability before confronting the ultimate challenge. This calculated approach would protect his value while potentially increasing future earnings.

The Argument for Skill-Based Avoidance

Objective Assessment of Skill Disparity

An objective evaluation reveals a significant skill gap between Benavidez and Crawford/Canelo.

• Technical Prowess: Crawford and Canelo consistently demonstrate superior boxing technique, footwork, and ring IQ compared to Benavidez.
• Defensive Skills: Canelo’s and Crawford's defensive abilities would pose a significant challenge for Benavidez’s aggressive style, potentially exposing him to devastating counters.
• Experience at the Highest Level: Both Crawford and Canelo boast significantly more experience against elite competition, providing them with a crucial advantage in adapting to different fighting styles and overcoming strategic challenges.

The Risk-Reward Calculation

For Benavidez, the risk-reward equation is heavily skewed towards risk.

• High Likelihood of Defeat: The skill disparity suggests a high probability of loss against either Crawford or Canelo.
• Limited Upward Mobility: A victory would undoubtedly be monumental, but the probability is far outweighed by the potential damage to his career trajectory.

Conclusion

The debate surrounding Benavidez's avoidance of Crawford and Canelo is multifaceted. While evidence exists to support both interpretations – disrespect and skill-based avoidance – it's likely a combination of factors influencing his decisions. His silence, coupled with the demonstrable skill gap between him and these pound-for-pound champions, makes a calculated assessment of risk versus reward seem highly plausible. Ultimately, only Benavidez knows his true motivations.

Is David Benavidez’s avoidance of a fight with Crawford or Canelo a matter of disrespect, a calculated risk assessment, or a combination of both? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! #CrawfordvsCanelo #Benavidez #Boxing