Undisputed super-middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez has once again responded to talk of a potential fight with David Benavidez, after the pair have been linked to a clash with one another for almost two years.
The pound-for-pound superstar has looked out of sorts since his defeat to Dmitry Bivol two years ago, beating Gennady Golovkin, John Ryder and Jermell Charlo, but looking unconvincing in each of those decision wins against opponents he was expected to stop.
Meanwhile, Benavidez has been in hot pursuit, defeating Caleb Plant and Demetrius Andrade in impressive displays over the past 12 months.
Yet, Canelo has maintained that ‘The Mexican Monster’ has not earned his shot at the undisputed crown, despite the fact that the boxing community are clamouring for the contest with his undefeated countryman.
Instead, Alvarez is preparing to take on Jaime Munguia, and some fans have labelled that decision as a ‘duck,’ especially considering that the naturally bigger Benavidez has stated how he would be open to a rehydration clause to level the playing field.
However, in an interview with Fight Hub, Canelo shunned the idea of a rehydration clause, explaining how it would give his rival an excuse for defeat and render the proposal a ‘lose-lose situation’ from his perspective.
“And then what [if I beat him with the rehydration clause]? Then they are going to talk about that clause when I beat him.”
“It’s a lose-lose situation because after the fight they are going to talk and say ‘ah it was because of this [clause]’.”
Regardless, Canelo-Benavidez may be dead in the water, after the latter’s move up to 175lbs where he will face Oleksandr Gvozdyk, in the hope of eventually challenging the winner of Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed light-heavyweight title.