02/20/2025
Photo Credit: Turki Alalshikh
For weeks, the prevailing belief has been that Canelo Alvarez’s next US fight, slated for September 2025 in Las Vegas, will be against Terence Crawford. While reports have framed the bout as a near-certainty, one key detail remains—Canelo hasn’t officially put pen to paper. And in boxing, until a contract is signed, anything can happen.
Now, the fight that many fans and insiders have clamored for—Canelo vs. David Benavidez—is emerging as a real possibility, thanks in large part to Saudi Arabia’s boxing powerbroker, Turki Alalshikh.
Alalshikh, who secured Canelo’s services in a four-fight deal earlier this month, recently put out a public poll asking fans who they wanted to see the undisputed super middleweight champion fight next. The results were telling:
David Benavidez – 64%
Terence Crawford – 25%
Dmitry Bivol – 8%
Hamzah Sheeraz – 3%
Despite Crawford being viewed as the frontrunner, fans overwhelmingly backed Benavidez, a fight that has been teased for years but never materialized. The demand for this matchup is undeniable.
Canelo has long resisted a fight with Benavidez, despite pressure from fans, media, and those within PBC, where Canelo has fought his last few bouts. The reluctance has fueled speculation that Alvarez is strategically avoiding the undefeated former WBC interim champion, who is viewed as the biggest threat to his 168-pound reign.
But Alalshikh, who has repeatedly expressed interest in making Canelo-Benavidez happen, is in a unique position to push the fight forward. His influence, financial resources, and control over boxing’s biggest events make him one of the few figures capable of swaying Canelo’s decision-making.
Benavidez will be in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this week, where he will meet with Alalshikh. He won’t be alone—Luis DeCubas Jr., the man who effectively runs day-to-day operations for Premier Boxing Champions (PBC), will also be there.
Photo Credit: Premier Boxing Champions
This meeting could be pivotal. Alalshikh is expected to offer Benavidez a deal, and Benavidez’s team has made it abundantly clear that if Canelo is on the table, they will “absolutely” take that fight without hesitation.
If Canelo stands firm in his resistance to Benavidez, the “Mexican Monster” will pivot to the light heavyweight division, where he could challenge the winner of Saturday’s undisputed championship bout between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.
But make no mistake—Benavidez wants Canelo. And with Alalshikh now involved, the fight that once seemed impossible could suddenly be within reach.
Subscribe to the Brunch Boxing website, Twitter and Podcast for more updates and in-depth coverage of the world of boxing in and out of the ring.
Brunch Boxing Support Links:
Comments