Canelo Álvarez’s Boxing Choices: The Impact on David Benavidez and David Morrell

Saul ‘Canelo’ Álvarez has long been a polarizing figure in the world of boxing. Known for his incredible skill, power, and ring IQ, Canelo has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest fighters of his generation. However, his recent choices of opponents have sparked considerable controversy and backlash from fans and analysts alike. The decision to fight Edgar Berlanga instead of more formidable challengers like David Benavidez or David Morrell has been particularly contentious. This article delves into the implications of Canelo’s choices, the reactions from his peers, and what it means for the future of boxing.

David Morrell Jr., a Cuban boxer known for his prowess in the ring, has made headlines by criticizing Canelo’s choice of opponents. Morrell, who is moving from the super middleweight division to the light heavyweight division, has been vocal about his disdain for Canelo’s upcoming fight against Berlanga, calling it a ‘bullshit fight.’ This sentiment is echoed by many in the boxing community who feel that Canelo is avoiding more challenging fights. Morrell’s move to the 175-pound division adds depth to an already stacked weight class, and he is keen to make a statement in his new category.

David Benavidez, another highly skilled boxer, finds himself in a similar situation to Morrell. Both fighters have been avoided by Canelo, who has instead chosen to fight less skilled opponents. Benavidez has been the WBC mandatory for three years but has never gotten a shot at the undisputed super-middleweight crown. Analysts like Chris Algieri and Paulie Malignaggi believe that Morrell and Benavidez will likely face each other before getting a chance to fight Canelo. According to Malignaggi, both Morrell and Benavidez are in a different league compared to Canelo, who has been stripped of his title by one of the sanctioning bodies for not honoring his mandatory obligations.

Canelo’s reluctance to face top-tier opponents has not gone unnoticed. During his fight with Jaime Munguia, Canelo was asked if he would fight David Benavidez, to which he responded that he would only do it for $200 million. This astronomical figure suggests that Canelo is not genuinely interested in taking on Benavidez. Promoters find it challenging to meet such high demands, further complicating the possibility of this fight. Canelo’s tendency to avoid mandatory opponents from other boxing councils has left room for fighters like Morrell and Benavidez to express their frustration openly.

Morrell’s criticism of Canelo’s upcoming fight against Berlanga is rooted in a broader issue within the sport. Many believe that Canelo is choosing easier opponents to maintain his winning streak, thereby avoiding the risk associated with fighting more formidable challengers. This strategy has contributed to a lack of competitive edge in boxing, especially when compared to other combat sports like MMA. The multitude of boxing federations and their varying rankings make it difficult for fans to keep track of all the fights, further diluting the sport’s competitive nature.

Despite the criticism, Canelo remains a dominant force in boxing. His decision to fight Berlanga instead of facing mandatory challengers like William Scull has sparked backlash on social media. Fans were disappointed when Canelo chose to avoid the highly anticipated fight with David Benavidez, opting instead to defend his titles against Berlanga. This decision has led to speculation about Canelo’s future opponents, with some believing he will continue to avoid high-risk fights even if offered substantial financial incentives.

The backlash against Canelo’s choice of opponents is not limited to fans. Analysts like Chris Mannix have noted the significant discontent on social media regarding the Berlanga fight. The pricing of Canelo’s previous pay-per-view fights, which were not seen as major threats, has also added to the dissatisfaction among fans. The Berlanga fight is expected to carry a similarly high price tag, further fueling the backlash. If Canelo wins against Berlanga, he will face a critical decision about his next opponent, with potential matches against Terence Crawford, Jermall Charlo, and Chris Eubank Jr. being discussed.

David Morrell’s move to the light heavyweight division signifies a new chapter in his career. Despite not getting the opportunity to fight at 168 pounds, Morrell is determined to succeed in his new weight class. His upcoming fight against Radivoje Kalajdzic is highly anticipated, as Morrell looks to make a statement. Kalajdzic, known for his toughness, presents a challenging opponent with a record of 29-2 and 21 knockouts. Analysts believe that Morrell needs to deliver a spectacular performance to solidify his status as a rising star in the sport.

While Morrell is focused on his upcoming fight, the shadow of Canelo’s decisions looms large. Morrell’s criticism of Canelo’s choice to fight Berlanga instead of him or Benavidez highlights a growing frustration among top-tier boxers. Canelo’s selective approach to choosing opponents has led to accusations of avoiding elite competition, thereby sabotaging the division. Morrell’s belief that Canelo sees him as a serious threat underscores the Cuban boxer’s confidence in his abilities and his desire to prove himself against the best.

David Benavidez, too, has expressed his frustration with Canelo’s avoidance tactics. Despite being the WBC mandatory for three years, Benavidez has not been given the opportunity to fight for the undisputed super-middleweight crown. His repeated calls for a fight with Canelo have gone unanswered, leading many to believe that Canelo is deliberately avoiding high-risk opponents. Benavidez’s aspirations to fight Canelo remain unfulfilled, adding to the growing list of top-tier fighters who feel sidelined by Canelo’s choices.

The future of boxing hangs in the balance as fans and analysts alike await Canelo’s next move. The potential fight between Canelo and Benavidez remains uncertain, with many hoping it will eventually happen. In the meantime, fighters like Morrell and Benavidez continue to push forward, seeking opportunities to prove themselves in the ring. Morrell’s upcoming fight against Kalajdzic is a crucial step in his journey, and a victory could pave the way for more significant challenges in the light heavyweight division.

As the boxing world watches closely, the decisions made by Canelo Álvarez will undoubtedly shape the sport’s landscape. His choice to fight Edgar Berlanga has already generated considerable backlash, highlighting the tension between maintaining a legacy and facing genuine competition. For fighters like David Morrell and David Benavidez, the quest for recognition and opportunity continues, driven by their desire to compete at the highest level. The narrative surrounding Canelo’s career is far from over, and the impact of his choices will be felt for years to come.