Canelo's Avoidance Of Crawford And Benavidez: A Matter Of Skill Or Disrespect?

Viktoria Ivanova

5 min read

Post on May 04, 2025

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Canelo's Skillset and Strategic Matchmaking

Canelo Alvarez is undeniably one of the best boxers in the world. His success is built on a foundation of exceptional skill and calculated risk-taking. However, even the best fighters have vulnerabilities, and understanding these is key to assessing his fight choices.

Analyzing Canelo's Strengths and Weaknesses

• Strengths: Canelo possesses exceptional power punching, superior ring generalship, and remarkable adaptability. He's a master of adjusting his strategy mid-fight, exploiting opponents' weaknesses with precision.
• Weaknesses: While incredibly versatile, some analysts suggest Canelo might be more vulnerable against exceptionally fast opponents, particularly southpaws who can disrupt his rhythm and timing. His chin, while strong, has been tested in the past.
• Style Matchups: Crawford's blinding speed and elusive style, coupled with his southpaw stance, could pose a significant threat. Similarly, Benavidez's aggressive pressure fighting and relentless power punching could present a challenging matchup for Canelo. These styles could potentially exploit perceived weaknesses in Canelo's defense and stamina.
• Historical Context: Examining Canelo's previous fight selections reveals a pattern of calculated risk. He's consistently chosen opponents that present a significant challenge but allow for a manageable level of risk, maximizing his chances of victory and financial gains.

The Business of Boxing: Financial Incentives and Risk Management

Choosing opponents is not solely about skill; it's a complex business decision.

• Financial Rewards: Fights against less-risky opponents often generate substantial paydays, minimizing the financial risk associated with a potential loss. A loss against a high-profile opponent like Crawford or Benavidez could significantly impact Canelo's earning potential.
• Commercial Appeal: While a fight against Crawford or Benavidez would undoubtedly generate significant hype and PPV buys, it also carries a higher risk of a less commercially favorable outcome. Canelo's team may prioritize fights with a higher predicted return on investment.
• Promoter and Network Influence: The roles of promoters and television networks in shaping fight cards cannot be overlooked. These entities often have significant influence on fight selection, prioritizing commercial interests and strategic matchups that maximize their own profits.

The Case for Disrespect: Unfulfilled Promises and Fan Expectations

The arguments suggesting Canelo is avoiding these fights often center on unmet expectations and perceived disrespect towards deserving contenders.

The Unmatched Crawford

Terence Crawford's undefeated record and dominance across multiple weight classes speak for themselves. His consistent callouts to Canelo, met with silence or evasive responses, have fueled speculation of avoidance.

• Crawford's Dominance: Crawford's technical skills and power make him a serious threat to any boxer in his weight class, regardless of style.
• Public Perception: The lack of a response from Canelo’s camp to Crawford’s repeated requests is seen by many as a sign of unwillingness to face a true challenge. This fuels the perception that Canelo is choosing easier paths to maintain his undefeated record and champion status.

Benavidez: The Young Gun's Unanswered Plea

David Benavidez represents a formidable challenge with his aggressive fighting style and relentless power. His public pleas for a fight with Canelo have been met with a similar lack of response, further intensifying the debate.

• Benavidez's Potential: Benavidez's youth, power, and aggressive style make him a genuine threat to Canelo's dominance.
• Public Sentiment: The public perception leans towards a belief that Canelo is avoiding a potentially dangerous and damaging fight against a hungry young contender. Benavidez’s compelling story and aggressive personality only add to the intrigue and fuel the perception of avoidance.

Alternative Explanations: Weight Class Differences and Scheduling Conflicts

While the arguments for avoidance are compelling, alternative explanations must also be considered.

Weight Class Considerations

A fight between Canelo and Crawford presents logistical challenges due to their differing weight classes.

• Weight Cutting: The strenuous process of cutting weight can significantly impact a fighter's performance, potentially leaving them vulnerable. Negotiating a mutually agreeable weight limit adds complexity.

Scheduling Logistical Challenges

Securing venues, sponsorships, and broadcast deals for high-profile fights is a complex process.

• Negotiations: The negotiation process between promoters, fighters, and networks can be protracted and challenging, leading to delays or even the collapse of potential fights.
• Unforeseen Circumstances: Injuries, contractual disputes, and other unforeseen events can all contribute to delays or cancellations, further complicating scheduling.

Conclusion

This article explores the multifaceted debate surrounding Canelo Alvarez's fight selections. While strategic matchmaking and logistical hurdles undoubtedly play a role, the perception of avoidance persists, leading to accusations of disrespect. Canelo's legacy will inevitably be shaped by his fight choices. His willingness – or unwillingness – to face the most challenging opponents in his prime will be a key factor in how boxing history remembers him.

Call to Action: What are your thoughts? Is Canelo Alvarez strategically avoiding Crawford and Benavidez, or are other factors at play? Share your opinion on Canelo's fight selection and whether it's a matter of skill or disrespect in the comments below! Join the conversation about Canelo Alvarez and the future of boxing. #Canelo #Crawford #Benavidez #Boxing