Heavyweight boxing icon Mike Tyson has revealed who he believes to be the best Mexican fighter in the sport, after the rise of David Benavidez Jr has led to claims that he is worthy of carrying the baton on from the legendary Canelo Alvarez.
Following on from wins against Caleb Plant and Demetrius Andrade this year, Benavidez is continuing to push for a showdown with Canelo in a bid to become the undisputed super-middleweight champion.
In an interview with Fight Hub, Tyson acknowledged Benavidez as Mexico’s greatest talent, before willing on a clash between Benavidez and David Morrell.
“The best Mexican fighter right now? Benavidez is half-Mexican, I don’t know if he considers himself Mexican, but he is very exciting. I like the way he fights, he throws a lot of punches, it’s going to be tough to beat him.
“The toughest fight that he may have is with David Morrell, the Cuban guy, he is a very hard puncher and if he hits somebody then he can knock anybody out. Then again, Benavidez is a very good boxer, when he wants to, he slugs a lot but he is a really good boxer.”
Tyson went on to comment on both Canelo and Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz, who he once dubbed as ‘The Mexican Mike Tyson.’
“He [Cruz] has a lot of capabilities, he did great with Gervonta Davis and you know what makes him special, more than anything? He is exciting, he keeps coming forward, that makes him exciting.
“He [Canelo] is in a position now where he can do whatever he wants, he can fight, he can do movies or commercials, whatever it is that he wants to do, he is in that position to do it.”
Reports suggest that Canelo will instead face Jaime Munguia in May, whilst Benavidez is touted to fight Jermall Charlo, before the pair may collide in September, providing both men come through those respective bouts unscathed.
