David Benavidez is accused of abusing his weight, is that why Canelo Alvarez is avoiding him?
David Benavidez, also known as the “Mexican Monster,” has become the most compelling choice for critics urging Canelo Alvarez to prove his pound-for-pound supremacy. However, Canelo has avoided facing Benavidez, opting instead to fight Jaime Munguia and Edgar Berlanga as his recent opponents.
This decision has sparked debates among fans and analysts, with many speculating on whether the weight dynamics play a significant role in Canelo’s hesitation.
Benavidez’s Size Advantage Sparks Controversy
One of the main criticisms levied against Benavidez is his significant size advantage. After weighing in at 168 pounds for his super middleweight fights, Benavidez often gains substantial weight, making him more comparable to a light heavyweight during bouts.
This size discrepancy has raised questions about whether he is effectively “abusing his weight advantage.” Critics argue that his dominance at super middleweight is amplified by his ability to carry light-heavyweight power and endurance, creating an unfair playing field.
Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade, Benavidez’s most recent opponent, addressed this issue directly. Speaking to Fight Hub TV, Andrade said:
“He’s a big, strong guy. After fighting Gvozdyk, he realized the weight difference mattered. At 168, he has a significant advantage. He’s not the same fighter at 175 because he can’t rely on his size in the same way.”
Andrade, a former champion at multiple weight classes, believes that Benavidez’s effectiveness is diminished at higher weights. Nonetheless, Andrade acknowledges that Benavidez remains a formidable fighter regardless of the division.
Can Anyone Beat Benavidez at 168 Pounds?
Benavidez’s dominance at super middleweight is undisputed. His record of 29-0 includes a string of impressive victories, such as his TKO win over Andrade in November 2023 and his unanimous decision against Oleksandr Gvozdyk at light heavyweight.
As Andrade points out, Canelo Alvarez would face a steep challenge if they ever met in the ring.
“I don’t see Canelo beating him. Canelo is smaller, and Benavidez knows how to throw punches in bunches. It would be a tough fight for Canelo, no question.”
The comparison to Canelo’s loss against Dmitry Bivol in 2022 adds weight to Andrade’s claims. Like Bivol, Benavidez’s combination of size, power, and skill could overwhelm Canelo, making him a difficult opponent for the Guadalajara native.
What’s Next for Benavidez?
As speculation about a potential matchup with Canelo continues, David Benavidez has his eyes set on a new challenge: a bout against David Morrell Jr. on February 1, 2025, in Las Vegas. The fight offers Benavidez another opportunity to showcase his skills at 175 pounds, where critics have argued he is less effective.
A dominant performance against Morrell could reignite calls for a showdown with Canelo, further increasing the pressure on Alvarez to accept the fight. Meanwhile, Benavidez’s detractors will be watching closely to see if his size advantage continues to play a decisive role.
Canelo vs. Benavidez: Will It Ever Happen?
The question of whether Canelo will face Benavidez remains unanswered. While critics argue that Alvarez should take on the “Mexican Monster” to cement his legacy, the weight concerns and stylistic matchup make this fight far from straightforward.
Benavidez’s size and power present unique challenges, and some speculate that Canelo’s team may be steering him toward more favorable matchups. However, a potential bout between the two remains one of the most highly anticipated in boxing, with fans eager to see whether Canelo can overcome the odds or if Benavidez will solidify his dominance at super middleweight.
