Analysis: Canelo's Avoidance Of Benavidez And Crawford Stems From Disrespect, Not Boxing Ability

Viktoria Ivanova

4 min read

Post on May 04, 2025

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H2: Benavidez: A Threat to Canelo's Undisputed Super Middleweight Reign?

Benavidez, a young, explosive force in the super middleweight division, presents a significant threat to Canelo's reign. His aggressive fighting style, coupled with devastating knockout power, makes him a formidable opponent.

H3: Benavidez's Aggressive Style and Power Punching:

Benavidez is known for his relentless pressure and powerful punches. His knockout percentage is exceptionally high, showcasing his ability to end fights decisively. This aggressive style contrasts sharply with some of Canelo's more recent, arguably less challenging, opponents.

• Benavidez boasts an impressive knockout ratio of over 80%, demonstrating his devastating power.
• His undefeated record stands as a testament to his consistent dominance in the ring.
• His relative youth suggests significant room for future growth and improvement, making him an even more dangerous prospect in the coming years.
• Compare Benavidez's aggressive, power-punching style to opponents like Caleb Plant, who offered a more measured and technical approach. The contrast highlights the different levels of risk involved.

H2: Crawford: A Style Matchup Canelo Might Want to Avoid?

Terence Crawford, a dominant force across multiple weight classes, represents a different, equally challenging threat. His elusive style and superior boxing IQ present a tactical nightmare for even the most skilled fighters.

H3: Crawford's Elusive Style and Superior Boxing IQ:

Crawford's technical superiority is undeniable. His speed, precision, and adaptability make him a difficult opponent to hit cleanly, while his ability to dictate the pace of the fight often leads to decisive victories.

• Crawford's multiple world titles across different weight divisions speak volumes about his versatility and dominance.
• His technical mastery and ring generalship are widely acknowledged amongst boxing experts.
• His elusive style allows him to avoid incoming punches while landing clean shots of his own, making him a frustrating opponent to face.
• Victories against fighters like Shawn Porter and Amir Khan showcase Crawford's ability to strategically dismantle top-level opponents.

H2: The Argument for Disrespect, Not Fear:

Canelo's recent fight selection reveals a pattern of prioritizing less risky, more commercially viable opponents. This strategic approach suggests a calculation that prioritizes financial gain and legacy protection over a direct confrontation with potentially career-altering challenges.

H3: Canelo's Fight Selection and Strategic Considerations:

Comparing the perceived risk in facing Benavidez and Crawford with Canelo's recent opponents reveals a clear disparity. A fight with either Benavidez or Crawford carries significant potential for defeat and damage to Canelo's reputation, a risk his current strategy clearly seeks to avoid.

• The potential financial rewards of a fight with Benavidez or Crawford are undoubtedly substantial, but so is the risk. This risk-reward equation seems to favor a less challenging path for Canelo.
• The absence of any public statements from Canelo expressing interest in fighting Benavidez or Crawford reinforces the perception of avoidance.
• Canelo's recent opponents, while certainly skilled, haven't presented the same level of threat as Benavidez or Crawford, suggesting a calculated strategy of risk mitigation.

H2: The Impact of Public Perception and Legacy:

Canelo's legacy as one of the greatest boxers of his generation is inextricably linked to his undefeated record and his choices of opponents. Facing and potentially losing to either Benavidez or Crawford would significantly impact this carefully constructed image.

H3: The Pressure of Maintaining an Undefeated Record:

The pressure to maintain an undefeated record is immense in boxing. A loss to a fighter like Benavidez or Crawford could significantly alter public perception and damage Canelo's carefully cultivated image.

• Public perception in boxing is crucial; avoiding top contenders damages a fighter's reputation and legacy in the long run.
• The potential risk to Canelo's legacy of avoiding these challenges cannot be overlooked; future generations will judge his career based on who he fought, not just who he beat.
• The long-term consequences of avoiding challenging fights outweigh the short-term benefits of risk mitigation.

3. Conclusion:

In conclusion, Canelo's avoidance of Benavidez and Crawford isn't necessarily a testament to his fear of their boxing ability, but rather a strategic decision influenced by risk assessment, commercial viability, and the potential impact on his carefully constructed legacy. The evidence strongly suggests that a lack of respect for their potential, rather than fear of their skills, drives Canelo's fight selection strategy. What do you think? Is Canelo's avoidance of Benavidez and Crawford a sign of disrespect, or is there another explanation? Share your thoughts in the comments below!