An undisputed super middleweight showdown between Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and David Benavidez is amongst the most in demand match-ups in all of boxing.
Many observers view ‘The Mexican Monster’ as Alvarez’ stiffest test at 168lbs, and some have even gone as far to say that the pound for pound star doesn’t really fancy the job.
Esteemed trainer Virgil Hunter broke down the potential clash in recent interview with Boxing News – and is siding with Benavidez to come out on top.
“I see that fight as whoever has the ability to keep the other on the back foot. Canelo doesn’t do well on the back foot and David doesn’t do well on the back foot.”
“Well, I can’t say that actually because I haven’t seen David on the back foot, but I saw Bivol put Canelo on the back foot. He doesn’t do well on the back foot.”
“So whoever can dictate the turf in that fight has the best opportunity to win.”
“If I had to bet, I would back with Benavidez’ jab and the way he uses it and it would give him a great chance of winning that fight.”
Though many are expecting Benavidez to land a career high payday against Alvarez in 2024, he must first come through two weight world champion Demetrius Andrade on November 25.
There was a growing narrative that Canelo is on the decline and could be ripe for the picking, however this has cooled dramatically after his dominant win over Jermell Charlo last month.