In a shocking turn of events that will forever be etched in the annals of boxing history, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, the once-undefeated king of the super middleweight division, suffered a devastating knockout at the hands of the undefeated rising star, David Benavidez. The fight, which took place in front of a sold-out crowd and millions watching worldwide, marked the sudden and brutal fall of one of the sport’s most celebrated champions. The defeat not only robbed Canelo of his invincibility but also cost him a staggering $150 million, a financial blow that even the most seasoned boxers would struggle to recover from.
Leading up to the highly anticipated showdown, many fans and analysts alike considered Canelo Alvarez to be the overwhelming favorite. With a career spanning over 18 years and victories over legends like Gennady Golovkin, Sergey Kovalev, and Callum Smith, Canelo had built a reputation as the sport’s premier fighter. His rise to global fame, coupled with his undeniable technical skill and power, made him an undeniable force in the ring.
David Benavidez, on the other hand, was seen by many as a rising star — a prodigious talent whose raw power and aggressive fighting style had already earned him the nickname “The Mexican Monster.” Despite his undefeated record and his obvious potential, Benavidez was not considered by some as ready to dethrone the king. But as it turned out, Canelo’s dominance in the ring was about to come to an abrupt and shocking end.
From the opening bell, the fight had an intense pace, with both fighters engaging in fierce exchanges. Canelo, known for his calculated approach and ability to control the rhythm of his fights, was clearly attempting to do so once again. However, Benavidez was relentless, pressing forward with a mix of jabs and powerful hooks that caught Canelo off guard. The Mexican champion seemed to be struggling with Benavidez’s speed and aggression, something that hadn’t been seen in his previous fights.
By the third round, the momentum had completely shifted. Benavidez unleashed a brutal right hand that sent Canelo crashing to the canvas. The crowd gasped as the iconic champion struggled to get back on his feet. The knockout, which stunned not only those in attendance but also the millions watching at home, marked the beginning of the end for Alvarez’s reign.
Canelo was unable to recover in time, and the referee had no choice but to call the fight off, officially declaring David Benavidez the winner by knockout. The shocking nature of the defeat left fans and analysts in disbelief — a spectacle no one expected, especially given Canelo’s track record of defying the odds.
For a boxer of Canelo Alvarez’s stature, this loss was not just about the blow to his ego or legacy; it was a financial catastrophe. Having been one of the highest-paid athletes in the world, Canelo’s career earnings were projected to exceed $150 million, depending on future successful bouts and endorsements. But with this unexpected loss, his projected earnings took a major hit. The rematch clause that was included in his contract would no longer hold the same financial appeal, and sponsorship deals would likely be reconsidered by companies who were once eager to work with the superstar.
Furthermore, the loss casts a shadow over any future title aspirations Canelo had within the division. The WBA World Super Middleweight title — which was the focus of the fight — is now firmly in the hands of David Benavidez, making the chances of a lucrative return to the top seem distant.
Perhaps the most unexpected moment of the night occurred in the aftermath of the fight. As Canelo Alvarez stood in the ring, battered and defeated, he did something no one expected: he offered his WBA World Super Middleweight title to David Benavidez.
In a sportsmanship gesture that shocked the boxing world, Canelo publicly acknowledged the superior performance of his opponent. “David is the better fighter tonight,” Canelo said through a translator. “He earned this title, and it’s his now. I’ll come back stronger, but for tonight, he is the champion.”
While some may have seen this act as a sign of respect, others viewed it as a bittersweet moment for a fighter who had previously been untouchable. Canelo’s willingness to step aside and allow the younger Benavidez to claim his title speaks volumes about the humility of the man behind the legendary career.
With the defeat behind him, the future for Canelo Alvarez remains uncertain. At 34 years old, and with a career full of grueling bouts, one has to wonder whether this loss marks the beginning of the end for one of boxing’s most iconic champions. Will he continue to fight, or will this loss compel him to retire? Only time will tell.
As for David Benavidez, this victory marks the start of a new era in the super middleweight division. The “Mexican Monster” has now firmly established himself as one of the sport’s most promising stars, and his future in boxing looks incredibly bright.
This fight will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the most shocking moments in boxing, a reminder that even the greatest champions are not invincible. The end of Canelo Alvarez’s undefeated reign signals a new chapter for the sport, and for David Benavidez, the world is now his oyster.