Undisputed super-middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez has hit out at Hall of Fame legend Andre Ward, after ‘The Son of God’ made remarks suggesting that Alvarez is ducking David Benavidez and that he would never have dared to fight him when he was active.
Canelo has faced criticism in recent months for seemingly avoiding Benavidez, although the 33-year-old claims that his rival does not yet deserve the opportunity.
Still, Ward has slammed Canelo’s antics both present and previous, declaring that the pound-for-pound star is selective with his opponents and rarely fights challengers in their primes.
Ward went on to detail how Alvarez’s name should not be amongst the all-time greats of both the sport and the super-middleweight division, believing that he was a level above the Mexican.
In an interview with K.O. Artist Sports, Canelo was given the chance to respond and he shared his belief that Ward is jealous of his superstardom and is possibly chasing a payday.
“I have nothing to say about him. He can say whatever he wants, maybe he wants a fight with me but he is never going to get it. He wants a payday.
“What else [can it be other than jealousy]? I have never met him, I have never talked to him, I have never said anything about him, what else?”
Although Ward retired from the sport seven years ago, he is still capable of returning to the ring, due to his perceived early decision to hang up the gloves aged 33-years-old, and he has previously revealed his willingness to take on Jake Paul.
However, ‘The Problem Child’ could well be Ward’s only hope of a return given Canelo’s refusal to face his veteran nemesis and give him the ‘payday’ that he believes he is chasing.