The Crawford-Canelo Debate: Benavidez's Exclusion – Disrespect Or Skill-Based Decision?

Omar Yusuf

5 min read

Post on May 04, 2025

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Benavidez's Credentials: A Case for Inclusion

David Benavidez's impressive record makes a strong case for his inclusion in any discussion about the top middleweights. His credentials are undeniable, and his absence from the Crawford-Canelo narrative is perplexing to many.

• Impressive knockout ratio and dominant performances: Benavidez boasts a devastating knockout ratio, showcasing his incredible power and aggressive fighting style. His victories haven't just been wins; they've been dominant displays of skill and determination. This knockout power is a key element separating him from many other middleweight contenders.

• Past reigns as WBC super-middleweight champion: Benavidez's past success as a world champion at super-middleweight demonstrates his elite-level abilities. This proves his capability of competing at the highest level and shows his experience in championship fights.

• Consistently ranked highly among middleweight contenders: Across various boxing ranking systems, Benavidez consistently appears near the top of the middleweight rankings. This consistent high ranking reinforces his status as a serious contender.

• Aggressive fighting style and proven ability to overcome adversity: Benavidez is known for his relentless pressure and aggressive fighting style. This makes him a dangerous opponent for any boxer, including Canelo Alvarez. His ability to overcome adversity and display resilience in past fights further strengthens his case.

• Argument for deserving a shot at a unification bout: Given his record, ranking, and fighting style, many believe Benavidez deserves a shot at a unification bout against the winner of Crawford vs Canelo. The lack of this opportunity fuels the debate around his exclusion.

The Canelo Alvarez Factor: Strategic Considerations

Canelo Alvarez's decision-making process is a crucial factor in understanding Benavidez's exclusion. Canelo is known for his strategic opponent selection, prioritizing matchups that offer a blend of victory probability and commercial appeal.

• Canelo's preference for specific opponents based on style and marketability: Canelo carefully selects opponents based on factors beyond just boxing skill. Marketability and a perceived easier path to victory play key roles in his decision-making.

• Analysis of Canelo’s past opponent selections: Examining Canelo's past opponents reveals a pattern: he strategically chooses opponents that are calculated to secure victory while maximizing financial and media returns.

• Discussion of the perceived risk versus reward of facing Benavidez's aggressive style: Benavidez's aggressive style presents a higher risk for Canelo, potentially impacting his undefeated streak. This perceived risk might outweigh the potential reward from a Benavidez fight in Canelo's strategic calculation.

• The potential impact of a Benavidez loss on Canelo's legacy: A loss to Benavidez, with his powerful punching ability, could significantly impact Canelo's legacy. This is a major consideration in Canelo's carefully managed career.

Jermall Charlo's Role: A Complicating Factor

Jermall Charlo's presence further complicates the situation. Charlo is another top contender in the middleweight division, and a potential fight between him and Benavidez could significantly impact the path to a Canelo Alvarez bout.

• Jermall Charlo’s current status as a top contender: Charlo holds a strong claim as a top middleweight contender, adding another layer to the competition for a shot at Canelo.

• Potential for a Charlo-Benavidez showdown before a Canelo fight: A Charlo-Benavidez fight could serve as an eliminator, determining the next challenger for Canelo Alvarez and potentially resolving the debate regarding Benavidez's position.

• Analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of both Charlo and Benavidez: A comparison of their styles, strengths, and weaknesses reveals a compelling potential matchup with significant implications for the future of the middleweight division. This bout would determine the true number one contender.

• The impact of a Charlo victory on the Canelo fight narrative: A Charlo victory would strengthen his claim as the next in line for Canelo, potentially further delaying or preventing a Benavidez-Canelo clash.

The Ranking Systems and Their Influence

The various boxing ranking systems and their methodologies play a significant role in shaping public perception and influencing promoter decisions. However, their accuracy and fairness are often debated.

• Examination of various boxing ranking systems and their methodologies: The inconsistencies across different ranking systems highlight the subjective nature of these evaluations, leading to frequent debates about their legitimacy.

• How these rankings influence promoter decisions and public perception: Rankings heavily influence which fights are made, and significantly impact the narrative around a fighter's skill and merit.

• Analysis of Benavidez's ranking across different organizations: Benavidez's consistent high ranking across various organizations adds weight to his claim as a top contender, even if it doesn't guarantee a title shot.

• Discussion on whether rankings accurately reflect fighting skill and merit: The inherent subjectivity of ranking systems raises questions about their capacity to accurately reflect the true skill levels and competitive merit of boxers.

Conclusion

The debate surrounding David Benavidez's exclusion from the Crawford-Canelo discussion highlights the complexities of the boxing world. While Benavidez possesses undeniable credentials, Canelo's strategic choices, the presence of Jermall Charlo, and the often-controversial nature of boxing rankings all play significant roles. His exclusion might be a calculated decision rather than a snub, but the question remains – will Benavidez eventually get his chance at an undisputed middleweight title?

Call to Action: What are your thoughts on Benavidez's exclusion from the Crawford-Canelo conversation? Share your opinions on the Crawford-Canelo debate and whether Benavidez deserves a shot at the undisputed title in the comments below! Let's discuss the future of the middleweight division and the potential for a Benavidez-Canelo clash!