Last weekend, the internet buzzed with reactions over potentially easy fights for the middleweight king, Canelo Alvarez. The unexpected prospect that has made waves lately involves Alvarez choosing to fight American boxer, Edgar Berlanga over David Benavidez. A surprising twist as many believed that Benavidez would have been the perfect contender for Alvarez. Needless to say, this lit a reaction among fans and sporting personalities alike. Notably, among those hitting back at Alvarez’s supposed decision was Jose Benavidez, David’s father and coach.
Jose Benavidez lashed out, voicing strong opinions on the matter. “Jose Benavidez REACTS to Canelo fighting Berlanga over David Benavidez in an easy fight!” he stated, criticizing Alvarez’s decision to allegedly opt for a less competitive competition. Jose has since been vocal, displaying evident frustration at his son’s sidelining in favor of Berlanga, the less experienced and less tested rival.
Berlanga carries an impressive 16-0 career record but his opponents, until now, haven’t been at a world-class level. Considering this, it’s clear why critics label a potential Berlanga-Alvarez showdown as an easy fight for Canelo. In comparison, David Benavidez boasts of a 24-0 record and has claimed the WBC super-middleweight title twice. Thus, it’s easy to understand the general expectation of a possible face-off between Alvarez, the four-division world champion, and the hard-hitting Benavidez.
The world of sports betting has reacted too. If anything, the odds of an Alvarez vs Berlanga match seem to tilt heavily in the favor of Alvarez. A fight with David Benavidez would certainly have a more balanced outlook. Still, it’s necessary to remember that nothing is confirmed at this point. The entire situation is based on speculation and it’s well known how quickly things can change in boxing.
However, one must keep in mind that Alvarez, often dubbed as the “Face of Boxing,” has a reputation of not backing down from worthy opponents. His incredible 55-2 record, holding victories against high-caliber fighters such as Gennady Golovkin and Miguel Cotto, is a testament to his prowess in the ring. Therefore, an easy fight holds little value for Alvarez in maintaining his esteemed status.
But, if he eventually decides to face Berlanga, it could be perceived as a strategic move, allowing him to prepare for a potentially tougher fight ahead. This strategy is not unheard of in boxing. As dictated by the sport’s unpredictable nature, the question that follows is – who will the “tougher fight” be against? Could this be the precursor to the highly anticipated Alvarez vs Benavidez showdown?
Despite the current debate, it’s clear both Berlanga and Benavidez carry very passionate fan bases who would indulge in either fight. Undeniably, a match against either fighter will attract viewers, given Alvarez’s sheer star power and charisma.
But the question remains: Will Canelo, who has proven time and again his formidable skill and tenacity in the ring, decide to take the “easy” path? Or is he saving the Benavidez challenge for another day? Whatever the decision, the boxing community will be watching closely, ready to react. Until then, speculation continues to drive the sports narrative, rendering an unforeseen level of excitement.
