Canelo Alvarez has reacted to the criticism over not fighting David Benavidez, stating he will pick the opponents he wants. 

Alvarez has avoided Benavidez, choosing to face Jamie Munguia on May 4 instead. Both parties have blamed each other for the fight’s failure. Benavidez’s team claimed they accepted a $5 million offer, while Canelo’s camp denied any offers. Canelo then requested $150-200 million to make the fight, thus pricing himself out. 

The Mexican Monster is on course to face Oleksandr Gvozdyk for the WBC Light Heavyweight Interim Belt on June 22. A win makes him mandatory for the winner of Dmitry Bivol vs Artur Beterbiev. Bivol and Beterbiev fight for the Undisputed Light Heavyweight on June 1. Benavidez’s decision came after failing to get the Canelo fight. 

The Mexican has been the WBC Super Middleweight Interim Champion for over two years. However, the WBC has not ordered the mandatory, nor have they stripped Canelo. While the fight appears no closer to being made, Canelo made it clear that he calls the shots. 

Canelo Reacts

“The truth is I’ve always fought those who people say I don’t want to fight. I am in a position I have earned – where I can do whatever I want to do. I won’t please them with anything. When they wanted me to fight Gennady Golovkin, I fought Golovkin. Callum Smith, Miguel Cotto, Floyd Mayweather, Austin Trout, everyone. So if you look at that, they are never pleased with anything. I will do what I want to do,” Canelo said 

Benavidez appears to have moved on, as his focus is on the light heavyweight division. That will disappoint boxing fans since they are unlikely to see the biggest fight at 168. However, a prospective bout against Bivol-Beterbiev is as equally big. The Mexican Monster has previously spoken about how he hurt Bivol in sparring. Since Benavidez is a much bigger 168-pounder, he will find it easier to adjust to a bigger weight class. However, that also means he is unlikely to move back down to 168. That is why his focus is now away from Canelo.

Benavidez Reacts

“With Canelo it’s that bull, ‘Oh, he needs to be respectful. I’m not going to bow my knee to nobody because I’ve earned my shot. He gave the opportunity to Jaime Munguia, who hasn’t done nothing. The excuse Canelo gave was, ‘Oh because he’s been really respectful.’ Like bro, get the [hell] out of here. I don’t think that Canelo fight is going to happen, so I’ve got to move on. These guys at 175 lbs are some killers. Now my mind is 100% focused on them,” Benavidez stated 

The pressure is on both men to come out victorious. Canelo knows his popularity has declined somewhat due to accusations that he is ducking Benavidez. Meanwhile, Benavidez must win at 175 to justify his decision to move up. Since boxing fans are unlikely to get Canelo-Benavidez, a new rivalry must be set up, which is only possible if both boxers continue winning.