After three somewhat low key performances in succession, Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez reminded the boxing world why he became one of the greatest fighters of this generation with an excellent performance against Jermell Charlo this past weekend.
Alvarez retained his undisputed super middleweight championship with a unanimous decision win over Charlo at the T-Mobile Arena, with some observers criticising the American for not showing enough ambition.
Paulie Malignaggi has weighed in with his assessment of the bout on his YouTube channel Paulie TV and, though praising Alvarez, claimed he now “owes it to the fans” to take on WBC interim world champion David Benavidez next.
“Canelo sounded like he felt great, and he did look good. But I can’t get a gauge on him unless he’s in with a guy who’s trying to win – and that wasn’t Jermell Charlo at all.”
“Are we gonna get the David Benavidez fight? Canelo’s in position where he can choose who he wants to fight, he’s the money guy.”
“I want to see Benavidez. Canelo vs Benavidez is the fight. I was impressed with Canelo’s shot selection and creativity, but when your up against a certain amount of resistance, are you still going to be able to show that kind of confidence.”
“David Benavidez will commit to try and winning the fight. Canelo now owes it to the fans to make the Benavidez fight.”
Benavidez is widely viewed as the number one contender at 168lbs, and some observers even believe that Alvarez has been ducking him.
Both men are contracted to Al Haymon’s PBC for their next fight, meaning 2024 could see one of the most anticipated match ups in the sport.