Canelo Alvarez will have a tall task ahead of him when he defends his status as the undisputed super middleweight champion against the younger Jaime Munguia on May 4.
It is the first fight for Canelo since trouncing Jermell Charlo in September for twelve rounds. On a three-fight win streak, the 33-year-old has a resume unmatched by many to put on a pair of gloves.
Still, there is one fighter he appears to be keeping off his radar: David Benavidez.
For years, fans have craved a fight between Canelo and Benavidez, who was recently the interim WBC super middleweight champion. The former multi-time WBC champion campaigned for fights against Canelo several times, but nothing has materialized. Disappointed fans have stated Canelo is ducking Benavidez, a fight that makes all the sense in the world.
WATCH: Canelo Alvarez vs. Jaime Munguia on AMAZON PRIME
When he is not giving verbal jabs to Golden Boy’s Oscar De La Hoya, Canelo is focused on facing the 27-year-old Munguia, a fellow Mexican with 34 wins via knockout. However, after being asked during fight week about facing Benavidez, Canelo offered a unique challenge his way.
”If the money is correct, why not," Alvarez said on ESPN First Take via Forbes. "I can fight him on Saturday night, too. Of course, I'll beat that guy. If the money is correct, I'll beat that guy the same night [as Munguia].”
Will David Benavidez show up during Canelo vs. Munguia?
Given his name gets brought up wherever Canelo goes, one would think Benavidez would take advantage and appear at the T-Mobile Arena. And he did.
The fight is on Amazon Prime, home to Premier Boxing Champions, where Benavidez is signed. Canelo did sign a three-fight deal with the promotion but got out of it and signed a one-fight deal to face Munguia.
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Benavidez did show up during the broadcast. He said he brought his boxing shorts in response to the above Canelo quote. It was also said by Benavidez regarding a Canelo fight: "It is a fight too big to leave on the table."
While there is still interest, Benavidez will focus on winning gold in other weight classes. He will be moving to the 175-pound division to face Oleksandr Gvozdyk on June 15. It is the co-main event under Gervonta Davis vs. Frank Martin. Benavidez has his eyes on Canelo, but he is looking to win gold now, not wait on Canelo.
The Sporting News will provide updates on Benavidez’s whereabouts when/if provided.
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