Benavidez Breaks It Down: Why Canelo vs.. Crawford Isn’t Just a Super Fight

David Benavidez, the undefeated powerhouse from Phoenix, Arizona, doesn’t hold back when it comes to elite boxing matchups. Known as the “Mexican Monster” for his relentless volume punching and forward pressure, Benavidez has held the WBC super middleweight title twice.

Now, he’s one of boxing’s most respected and vocal minds outside the ring. His take on the mega clash between Canelo Álvarez and Terence “Bud” Crawford on September 13 isn’t a prediction – it’s a complete technical and cultural dissection of one of the sport’s most anticipated showdowns.

Benavidez’s Dominance at 168 and Beyond

David Benavidez holds an undefeated record of 30-0 with 24 KOs. He became the youngest super middleweight world champion in history at 20 years old. He reclaimed the WBC title after being stripped due to missing weight, not defeat.

In 2024 and 2025, he moved to light heavyweight, defeating Oleksandr Gvozdyk for the WBC interim title and David Morrell to claim the WBA (Regular) belt, proving his power carries across divisions.

Crawford’s Ambitious Leap to 168

Terence “Bud” Crawford has never fought above 154 pounds. He holds a perfect 41-0 record with 31 knockouts and is undisputed at both 140 and 147. Now aiming for 168, Crawford skips tune-ups and rehydration clauses, stepping directly into the lion’s den. Benavidez questions whether the leap is smart, citing “weight classes exist for a reason” and pointing to the physicality he himself has faced at 168 and 175.

Canelo’s Reign Across Five Divisions

Canelo Álvarez is 63-2-2 with 39 knockouts and titles from 154 to 175. He reclaimed all four super middleweight belts on May 25 against William Scull. The fight marked the start of his $400 million four-fight deal with Turki Alalshikh. Canelo’s experience at the top of multiple divisions gives him a power and durability edge that Benavidez says can’t be ignored.

Benavidez on the Style Clash

Benavidez praises Crawford’s adaptability, footwork, and ability to switch stances mid-fight. But he emphasizes that Canelo’s physical strength, granite chin, and counterpunching could smother Crawford’s rhythm. “Crawford is one of the most technical guys I’ve seen, but there’s levels to how punches land when someone’s walking you down with that kind of force,” Benavidez said.

Why This Fight Is Bigger Than Belts

This isn’t just another belt-grab. It’s a cultural clash: the older school size-and-strength dominance versus the new-age footwork-and-IQ mastery. Benavidez views this bout as symbolic of where boxing is going—fighters daring to chase legacy fights across weight divisions, even when it breaks traditional matchmaking logic.

Financial Incentives and Real Stakes

Crawford is reportedly making $100 million for this fight. Benavidez didn’t hide his thoughts: “That’s retirement money no matter what happens.” While he respects Bud’s courage, he believes that kind of guaranteed purse reduces risk urgency. It’s a major payday for a fighter without a single match at 160 or 168.

Arizona’s Boxing Pulse

Benavidez hails from Phoenix, and the buzz in Arizona is intense. Boxing fans in Arizona are following every rumor and quote—many using Arizona sports betting promo codes to stay in the action as super fights like Canelo vs. Crawford spark state-wide buzz.

Canelo’s Take on Crawford

Canelo himself offered high praise: “I think Crawford is better than Floyd Mayweather. He switches guards, he’s smarter, he counters better.” Benavidez doesn’t dismiss the compliment. He agrees Bud’s ring IQ is elite—but reminds fans that IQ alone doesn’t stop body shots and uppercuts when they come from a 168-pound tank.

Physical Edge for Canelo

Canelo has fought much larger men like Sergey Kovalev and Dmitry Bivol. Crawford has not. Benavidez pointed to frame disparity: “Crawford is compact, but that doesn’t mean dense. Canelo is used to leaning on bigger guys.” He predicts this could turn into a grind fest if Bud can’t keep distance early.

Why Benavidez Leans Canelo

Benavidez refuses to count Crawford out, but if forced to pick: “I give Canelo the edge. He’s the bigger man. It’s a lot of weight for Crawford to jump.” That edge, he insists, is tactical—not emotional. “If anyone beats Canelo, it’s someone like Crawford. But the weight… the size… they matter.”

The Future of Boxing Through Benavidez’s Eyes

David Benavidez closes with a warning wrapped in respect: “We’re missing out on a lot of years. We gotta give fans these fights now—but we gotta do it the right way.” Whether Canelo-Crawford delivers fireworks or frustration, Benavidez sees it as a defining moment in how boxing writes its next chapter.