Saul ‘Canelo‘ Alvarez has been defeated only twice in 66 fights and never been down or seriously hurt.
The Mexican superstar’s losses came over the distance against Floyd Mayweather and, most recently, Dmitry Bivol. Other than that, he has largely dominated in the sport and worked his way to world titles in four divisions.
Currently unified super-middleweight champion, Canelo has handily beaten every man he has faced in the division. However, there is one rival that fans, pundits and fellow fighters alike feel could cause him problems: David Benavidez.
Canelo’s former promoter turned bitter rival, Oscar De La Hoya, believes the 27-year-old will be the first man to knock him out should the fight ever materialise. He explained in an interview with Fight Hub TV.
“I think he knocks him out. Benavidez is a monster. He throws literally an average of above 50 to 55 punches a round. Canelo and Charlo, in the first round they threw one punch. Combined.
I’m not talking to you as ‘oh I hate Canelo or oh I hate Benavidez,’ no I’m talking [as] a boxing expert. Those are the facts. That’s reality on paper.
Now, what happens in the ring when the bell rings? If Canelo lands that one bomb that he always throws, the right hand, I mean it’s sayonara. It’s game over for Benavidez. But I think Benavidez, because he’s young, strong, very versatile and throws a lot of punches, he’s gonna cause problems for Canelo.”
Benavidez recently got fed up of chasing his shot and moved up to light-heavyweight, where he is not the WBC Interim Champion. He has announced he will face David Morrell in early 2025.
After a routine points win over Edgar Berlanga, who Alvarez will defend against next remains to be seen. He is set to return in May.
