Saul ‘Canelo’ Álvarez versus David Benavidez is perhaps the best fight to be made in the super-middleweight division.
Benavidez is a two-time 168 champion who remains undefeated, having lost the title on both occasions outside of the ring.
His countryman, Canelo, now holds all four belts in the division, and has also had championship success in three other weight classes.
Some of that campaign was under the guidance of fighter-turned-promoter Oscar De La Hoya, and the 50-year-old has made a confident prediction should this fight take place.
Speaking to Fight Hub TV, he said Benavidez – an impressive volume puncher – has what it takes to deal Canelo the first stoppage loss of his storied career.
“Yeah, I think he knocks him out. I really do think so. Benavidez is a monster. He throws literally an average of above 55 punches a round. Canelo and Charlo, in the first round they threw one punch combined.
So I’m just talking to you as a boxing expert, not as I hate Canelo or Benavidez. Those are the facts. That’s reality on paper. Now what happens in the ring when the bell rings, I don’t know. Just by studying boxing, the writing’s on the wall.
If Benavidez is gonna throw 50 plus punches a round then guess who’s gonna win? I’m not sure how strong Benavidez’ chin is, it hasn’t really been tested … Canelo’s been rocked. It all depends. If Canelo lands that one bomb he always throws, it’s game over, but I think Benavidez – young, strong, versatile – he’s gonna create problems.”
Fans may just finally see it play out in 2024, with the WBC clear on its position that the undisputed champion will have to defend the belt in the first half of the year.
Should Benavidez beat Demetrius Andrade this month, he retains his mandatory position and will be grabbing his shot with both hands.