Canelo Alvarez Reveals Why a Fight With David Benavidez Is Now “Impossible”

Canelo Alvarez has built his career by consistently taking on challenges across multiple divisions. He has won world titles at super welterweight, middleweight, super middleweight, and light heavyweight. His willingness to face champions has earned him a reputation as one of boxing’s most fearless competitors. However, one major box remains unchecked against undefeated contender David Benavidez.

Benavidez remains undefeated across the super middleweight and light heavyweight divisions. He defeated Caleb Plant in March 2023 by unanimous decision. He stopped Demetrius Andrade in November 2023 after six rounds. In June 2025, he defeated Anthony Yarde by stoppage. He defended his WBC super middleweight title in March 2023 and WBC interim light heavyweight title in June 2025.

‘El Monstro’ first publicly called out Alvarez as early as 2021. After defeating Kyrone Davis via TKO in November 2021, he began campaigning for a fight against the Mexican legend. He used post-fight interviews to position himself as a mandatory challenger. However, Alvarez has now revealed that he will not take on Benavidez, saying the timing for the fight has passed and the fight will not materialize.

When we were both at 168, I fought every champion in that division. Why he never fight those champions? If he was a champion at that point, I fight him. My goal was being undisputed. Right now, it’s just impossible. He can come fight with heavyweights, do you know what I mean?

Canelo Alvarez via Inside Ring Show

Canelo says a fight with David Benavidez is now “impossible” due to Benavidez being in too high of a weight class, and says he would’ve fought him at 168 if Benavidez had been a champion at the time 🗣️

"When we were both at 168, I fought every champion in that division. Why he… pic.twitter.com/hzCAsd2KIq

— Source of Boxing (@Sourceofboxing) May 25, 2026

There have been multiple instances where a fight between Alvarez and Benavidez could have been made. The 29-year-old star has claimed that a $150 million offer was made to secure the matchup. Alvarez has remained firm on his financial expectations, saying he would not accept under $200 million. He has also pointed to the physical risk of facing Benavidez, who could be around 25 pounds heavier on fight night.

Benavidez is widely regarded as a dangerous matchup for any boxer due to his relentless pressure and high-output offense. His 2023 fight against Demetrius Andrade showed how damaging his style can be at the elite level. He consistently landed uppercuts and straight rights that broke down Andrade’s defense. The sustained punishment forced Andrade’s corner to stop the contest in the sixth round.

Canelo Alvarez is 35 years old and has fought over 65 professional bouts across divisions, remaining one of boxing’s most experienced champions. The Mexican star is now set to face Christian Mbilli next. Meanwhile, David Benavidez has continued to pressure Alvarez, recently criticizing him for not facing Diego Pacheco. Age and weight divisions have made the Alvarez vs Benavidez fight increasingly unlikely.

Canelo Alvarez reveals disappointment with not getting Terence Crawford rematch

Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford was a major superfight at super middleweight between two undisputed champions. Crawford moved up three divisions, from 147 pounds to 168, to face the Mexican star. Both entered as champions with elite pound-for-pound status. ‘Bud’ technically dismantled Alvarez over 12 rounds to become the first male three-weight undisputed champion from the four-belt era.

Crawford retired after the Canelo fight, as the WBC stripped him of super-middleweight title recognition due to unpaid sanctioning fees, which affected his standing. Both Alvarez and Crawford attended the Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven event in Egypt. The Mexican star appeared on the Mr. Verzace podcast, where he told Ring Magazine CEO Rick Reeno he still wants a rematch with the Nebraska native.

That’s sad, because I think the people deserve the rematch. But you know, things happen, and I am going to look forward to my career. I learned my lesson, and this time I took the time to take care of my body, my injuries, and all my stuff. I feel great. I can’t wait to come back. I’m ready now.

Canelo Alvarez via Mr. Verzace Podcast

Canelo Álvarez reveals he still wants a rematch against Terence Crawford and says he hopes the fight happens again.

(🎥 Ring Magazine/Youtube) pic.twitter.com/UQfzOlbSEy

— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) May 24, 2026

The first Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford fight reportedly generated good revenue, boosted by its global Netflix distribution and massive streaming viewership. The event drew around 41 million viewers worldwide on Netflix, making it one of the platform’s most-watched boxing broadcasts. Bud’s retirement and sanctioning complications have made an immediate rematch unlikely.

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