Canelo Vs. Benavidez: Why Isn't This Fight Happening?

4 min read Post on May 05, 2025

Canelo Vs. Benavidez: Why Isn't This Fight Happening?

Canelo Alvarez's Promotional Obligations and Strategic Choices

Canelo Alvarez, arguably the biggest name in boxing, operates within a meticulously planned promotional landscape. Several factors contribute to the delay of a Canelo vs. Benavidez fight.

Alvarez's Contract with DAZN

Canelo's lucrative contract with DAZN plays a significant role.

Exclusivity clauses: These clauses likely restrict his opponent choices, limiting the freedom to select Benavidez, who is currently not under the DAZN banner.
Financial implications: Choosing Benavidez might involve significant financial negotiations and adjustments compared to DAZN's preferred opponents. The risk involved in facing a powerful puncher like Benavidez might also influence DAZN's decision-making process.
DAZN's preferred opponents: DAZN, as a major player in boxing broadcasting, likely has its own list of preferred opponents for Canelo, focusing on commercially viable matchups that maximize viewership.

Canelo's Risk Aversion and Strategic Opponent Selection

Canelo has built his career on strategic opponent selection.

Minimizing risk: His history shows a preference for opponents who present less risk of an upset, ensuring his undefeated streak and maximizing his earning potential.
Careful opponent selection: This is evident in his choices of opponents with less powerful punching ability than Benavidez, allowing him to maintain control throughout fights and minimize injuries. This careful approach is a testament to his business acumen and dedication to career longevity.

The Timing and Scheduling Challenges

Even with the willingness on both sides, scheduling a fight between two top-tier fighters is extremely difficult.

Conflicting fight schedules: Both Canelo and Benavidez have busy schedules that include training camps, other fights, and promotional commitments. Aligning these calendars is a complex logistical challenge.
Endorsement commitments: Canelo's numerous endorsement deals could impact his availability and limit his flexibility for scheduling. Negotiating a suitable window of time for both fighters presents a significant hurdle.

David Benavidez's Promotional Landscape and Negotiating Power

David Benavidez, an undefeated powerhouse, also faces promotional complexities that influence the fight's feasibility.

Benavidez's Promoter and Network Affiliation

Benavidez's promotional ties with Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) introduces another layer of complexity.

PBC's influence: PBC's involvement in negotiations creates a potential conflict of interest and makes securing the fight more challenging. They will naturally want to ensure the most beneficial deal for their fighter.
Network conflicts: Negotiating with both PBC and DAZN necessitates finding a mutually agreeable broadcast platform, a task that can stall the negotiations.

Benavidez's Demand for a Fair Deal

Benavidez, with his undefeated record and growing popularity, is seeking a substantial and equitable contract.

Suitable purse: A fair purse reflective of his standing and the fight's potential is a key demand.
Bidding war potential: The potential for a bidding war between different networks could increase the overall cost and complexity of securing the bout.

Benavidez's Public Pressure and Media Attention

Benavidez's vocal desire for the fight has increased fan pressure.

Public statements: His outspokenness about wanting to fight Canelo has increased fan demand and pressure on promoters.
Media attention: The significant media attention generated by this potential fight amplifies the pressure on both fighters and their promotional teams.

The Weight Class and Divisional Implications

The fight's weight class presents additional challenges.

The Challenges of Weight Negotiations

Negotiating a suitable weight class can be contentious.

Rehydration clauses: Disagreements over rehydration clauses and weight limits can easily derail negotiations.
Weight-making difficulties: Reaching an agreement on the most equitable weight category, accommodating both fighters' strengths and comfort, can present significant obstacles.

The Impact on Other Titles and Championships

The Canelo vs. Benavidez fight has major implications for the super middleweight division.

Implications for other fighters: Its occurrence (or non-occurrence) directly influences the opportunities available to other title holders and contenders in the division.
Future title fights: The outcome of such a fight would profoundly shape future championship bouts and the competitive landscape of the super middleweight division.

Conclusion

The Canelo vs. Benavidez fight remains elusive due to a combination of factors. Canelo's promotional obligations with DAZN, his strategic opponent selection, and the scheduling complexities intertwine with Benavidez's promotional situation, his demand for a fair deal, and the challenges of negotiating a suitable weight class. The high stakes involved and the significant fan desire for this dream matchup highlight the complex interplay between business, sport, and public expectation within the world of professional boxing. Keep advocating for this fight, fans! Let's put the pressure on the promoters and networks to make "Canelo vs. Benavidez" a reality. The future may yet hold a spectacular clash between these two boxing greats. Let's make sure it happens!