Saul ‘Canelo’ Álvarez is open to facing David Benavidez – the fight at super middleweight most fans want to see – but believes he talks too much in trying to make it happen.
Whilst he’s recently moved up to 175lbs in an unsuccessful challenge to win Dmitry Bivol’s title, Canelo still holds all four belts at 168lbs.
The clear frontrunner to take a shot at his throne is Benavidez, himself a two-time world champion in the division and still undefeated having lost his belts once on the scales as well as a ban for cocaine.
Despite their standing, the two Mexican natives haven’t really come close to making a deal – the most recent update from Benavidez’s side being that an offer they sent was ignored.
Speaking to Sports Radio 810, Canelo said he was open to the fight down the line but that Benavidez was going about it the wrong way.
“Yeah, why not? Maybe it’ll happen in the future … Yeah, he talks too much. That’s not the way to make a fight. That’s why I don’t pay attention. I do my thing and just watch. Watch my career and watch his career.
I don’t pay attention to those things. I’ve done a lot in boxing.”
The would-be challenger’s team have indeed been vocal in their pursuit of the bout, but it certainly won’t be up next.
Canelo has signed a three-fight deal with PBC, his first fight being a defence against current undisputed super welterweight champion, Jermell Charlo.
Benavidez is within the PBC stable, so it’s not out of the question that he’s the second or third bout in Canelo’s agreement. In the meantime, he wants Jaime Munguia.