Canelo Alvarez Closes Door on David Benavidez Fight, Eyes Bivol Rematch at 175 Pounds
In a stunning revelation for boxing fans, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez has officially ruled out a highly anticipated showdown with David Benavidez, dashing hopes of a clash that has been on the radar for years. Speaking to Ring Magazine, the undisputed super middleweight champion made it clear that his focus at 175 pounds is solely on a rematch with Dmitry Bivol, leaving the Benavidez fight in the dust for good.
Canelo, who has dominated the super middleweight division with an iron grip, addressed the persistent calls for a fight with Benavidez, the hard-hitting contender who recently moved up to light heavyweight. “I hope to have the opportunity for a rematch with Bivol. That’s the only fight at 175 pounds I would really take,” Canelo told Ring. The statement comes as a blow to fans who have clamored for the Mexican superstar to face Benavidez, a matchup many believed would test Canelo’s mettle against a younger, hungry challenger.
The timing couldn’t be more definitive. Benavidez, who has struggled to make the 168-pound super middleweight limit in the past, recently confirmed he’s done cutting down to that weight class. Now campaigning at 175 pounds, the same division where Canelo suffered a rare defeat to Bivol in 2022, Benavidez’s move had sparked hope that the two could finally meet. However, Canelo’s latest comments put an end to that dream, signaling that their paths may never cross in the ring.
Canelo’s loss to Bivol, a masterclass in technical boxing, marked one of the few setbacks in his illustrious career. The 34-year-old has since expressed a burning desire to avenge that defeat, viewing the rematch as unfinished business. A second fight with Bivol, the WBA light heavyweight champion, would not only offer Canelo a shot at redemption but also a chance to further cement his legacy across weight classes. Yet, by focusing solely on Bivol, Canelo is sidestepping a fight that many in the boxing community—including analysts and fans—consider a defining challenge at this stage of his career.
Benavidez, known as “The Mexican Monster,” has been a relentless force, boasting an undefeated record and a reputation for ferocious power. His recent performances at light heavyweight have only heightened the demand for a Canelo fight, with fans arguing that the 27-year-old’s size, strength, and aggression could pose a unique threat to the pound-for-pound great. However, Canelo’s decision reflects his strategic approach to his career, prioritizing legacy-defining rematches over new challenges that don’t align with his current goals.
As of May 15, 2025, the boxing world is left to ponder what could have been. Social media platforms like X are buzzing with reactions, with some fans lamenting the missed opportunity while others support Canelo’s choice to chase redemption against Bivol. For now, the Canelo-Benavidez saga appears to be over before it even began, leaving fans to wonder if the two will ever reconsider their stances. Will Canelo get his shot at Bivol, and can he reclaim his standing at 175 pounds? The answers are forthcoming, but one thing is certain: Canelo Alvarez continues to call the shots in his legendary career. What’s your take on this bombshell—should Canelo have fought Benavidez, or is the Bivol rematch the right move? Let us know in the comments!
