The boxing world has been buzzing ever since the undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez won his last match against Jermell Charlo in September last year. While a lot of fans thought that the champ would be fighting David Benavidez, the WBC mandatory challenger, next, it turned out Alvarez had different plans. He announced that he would be fighting Jermall Charlo, the twin brother of his earlier opponent, instead.

This doesn’t come as a surprise considering he was originally slated to face the big Charlo. Much of this dissatisfaction has to do with Alvarez once again overlooking Benavidez to fight someone below his class. However, boxing legend Marco Antonio Barrera thinks that the Benavidez fight might just be the key to him cementing his legacy as one of the greatest.

Marco Antonio Barrera thinks Canelo Alvarez needs a push

Mexican boxing legend Marco Antonio Barrera acknowledged Alvarez’s accomplishments in the ring. However, according to him, there’s a missing piece in Canelo’s journey to boxing immortality – a showdown with David Benavidez. Barrera contends that this clash is the missing link, the encounter that could provide the necessary catalyst for Canelo to ascend to even greater heights.

In an interview with Fight Hub TV, he stated, “You say it very well, Canelo is a boxer with very good qualities. Three or four times world champion in different divisions, but he is missing that one fight, and there’s Benavidez. I believe he could fight with Benavidez.”

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The significance of this potential match-up lies not just in the physical confrontation but in the credibility it could bring to Canelo Alvarez’s legacy. Barrera emphasizes, “A clash, that’s what we want to see, a fight where I believe people would start to give him the credibility that Canelo Alvarez has, who for me is a great boxer. But he needs that little push.”

Yet, Barrera acknowledges that the decision is not solely within Canelo’s hands, stating, “It’s up to a boxer to stand up to him and challenge him like they should.” In the quest for greatness, every boxer requires that one defining challenge, that final obstacle that solidifies their place in the annals of boxing history. In the meantime, Stephen A. Smith also took the chance to fire shots at Alvarez.

Stephen A. Smith unleashes fury on the Mexican icon

In the dynamic realm of boxing, seldom discussed on sports debate shows, the recent Canelo rumors ignited a fervent debate on ESPN’s First Take. Host Stephen A. Smith expressed deep dissatisfaction with the circulating speculations.

In June 2023, Canelo Alvarez’s three-fight deal with the PBC sparked excitement among fans, anticipating a showdown with WBC mandatory David Benavidez, both under the PBC banner. However, the deal took an unexpected turn as Alvarez faced Jermell Charlo, a move questioned by many.

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Stephen A. Smith expressed his frustration, stating, “I’m pretty pissed off. I don’t like it at all. How many fights are you going to have before you avoid giving Benavidez the chance he so richly deserves?” Shannon Sharpe added a business perspective, emphasizing Canelo’s strategic career navigation.

David Benavidez’s prowess poses a genuine threat, yet Canelo seemingly opts for the path of least resistance. Stephen A. Smith, echoing the sentiments of many boxing enthusiasts, deems it a “travesty” that the much-anticipated Canelo vs. Benavidez clash hasn’t materialized, as Canelo continues his trend of evading the high-risk matchups.

Do you think a Canelo Alvarez vs. David Benavidez is something we will get to see soon?

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