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BOXING

David Benavidez Hits Back as Canelo Alvarez Blames ‘Attitude’ for Jeopardizing $150M Dream

By Admin February 3, 2025

On Sunday, David Benavidez and David Morrell put on a clinic that will be remembered as one of the best fights of the year.

The bout lived up to the hype as the Mexican Monster edged past his Cuban opponent via a unanimous decision victory. With a score of 115-111, 115-111, and 118-108, the 30-0 boxer is now the next challenger for the winner of the February 22nd Beterbiev-Bivol rematch.

However, other than securing the undisputed titles at 175 lbs, there is one fight that David Benavidez desperately wants. The new WBA (Regular) light heavyweight and ‘Interim’ WBC light heavyweight champion, has been asking for a fight against Canelo Alvarez for years. However, even after being the top-ranked challenger in 168 lbs, Canelo didn’t seem interested.

JUST IN:Floyd Mayweather Called Into Action as Gervonta Davis Targets His Protege

Canelo Alvarez went as far as to demand $150 million to even consider the fight. In a recent interview with Ring Magazine, the unified 168-pound champion claimed that he rejected Benavidez’s challenge because of the disrespect their camp showed him. “I don’t like the way he approaches for taking the fight,” Canelo remarked. However, it looks like Bandera Roja is in no mood to pay heed to the suggestion, as he hit back at Canelo Alvarez during the post-match press conference.

An interviewer asked Benavidez, “Do you feel like this victory would bring you closer to Canelo fight or maybe not?” With an annoyed look on his face, the Mexican Monster replied that even he has no idea and is now sick of answering the same question over and over again. “I don’t know bro. You guys keep asking me about that fight and I know as much as you guys,” exclaimed Benavidez. He “would love to fight Canelo,” given the scale of the fight but he can’t make it happen alone.

The Phoenix native mentioned how Canelo Alvarez is preparing for other fights before inserting a slight dig. “He says I’m being too mean. The way I am approaching him. I guess I am gonna work on my attitude,” stated Benavidez as the conference room erupted in laughter.

However, rather than changing his attitude, David Benavidez has a plan that will undoubtedly lure Canelo Alvarez into a fight.

Ahead of his February 1 bout, the 30-0 boxer sat down with Shannon Sharpe and Chad ‘Ochocinco’ Johnsonon the Nightcap podcast. During the conversation, the Phoenix native explained the only way that Canelo Alvarez would accept a fight with him now.

“I am going to predict the future right here. The only way I see this fight happening is me winning all the belts at light heavyweight, winning all the undisputed titles. Then me and Canelo fight at the catch weight of 172 or 173 for the 168-pound titles and the 175-pound titles,” stated Benavidez while revealing his plan.

The 28-year-old thinks that the raised stakes will make the fight “a hundred times bigger” and will entice Canelo Alvarez into accepting the fight. Given the result of the David Morrell fight, it looks like David Benavidez’s plan started off on the right note.

But at this point, it looks like the dream Mexican bout is getting farther away with each passing day. Furthermore, the Ring Magazine interview has hurt Canelo Alvarez far more than David Benavidez. It has also given the impression that the Guadalajara native is ducking David Benavidez.

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BOXING

“Cheating”- Gervonta Davis Has a Problem With David Benavidez’s Win vs. David Morell

By Admin February 2, 2025

The tale of Mexico vs. Cuba has always been an alluring narrative for fight fans, and David Benavidez vs. David Morrell didn’t disappoint.

However, in the end, Benavidez was the one to get his hand raised by unanimous decision. But WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis wasted no time halting the celebrations, immediately accusing referee Thomas Taylor of cheating.

From the first bell, both fighters were determined to deliver what fans paid money to watch—an absolute slugfest. Both fighters exchanged blows as if a knockout finish was the only answer. By the fourth round, Morrell had Benavidez hurt and leaning back on the ropes with a surprise right hook. The once invincible Benavidez looked vulnerable for the first time in a long time.

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However, Benavidez remained on the front foot, pressuring Morrell back and relying on counters rather than bringing the action. As a result, Benavidez kept breaking through Morrell’s guard to land brutal uppercuts. Still, Morrel’s resolve wasn’t about to waver even if he stayed on the back foot. Benavidez even took the break after the sixth round as an opportunity to remind viewers he is the ‘El Monstoro’.

Benavidez’s performance reflected that, as by the 8th round, Benavidez had landed a lot more punches. Slowly but surely, Benavidez’s power and pressure had started to show its effects on Morrell. By the ninth round, the Cuban was clearly fatigued, and both Benavidez and his corner were well aware of it. ‘The Mexican Monster’ was comfortably ahead on the unofficial scorecard. The only lingering question was: how much longer could Morrell hang on?

As the fight went into the championship rounds, the once-Morrell showboating in the early rounds had to watch Benavidez take up that role. Morrell, with advice from his corner, tried to steal the last two rounds with aggression, but Benavidez invited the action. However, near the end of the 11th round, Morrell scored a surprise knockdown.

Still, the referee deducted a point from Morrell for punching after the bell, putting Benavidez back on top. The judges scored the fight 115-111 twice and 118-108, all for Benavidez. In the meantime, Davis hopped on X to take shots at the referee, writing, “The ref cheatinggg!!!!”

Meanwhile, Benavidez has confirmed more good news for his fans.

For the past few years, David Benavidez had one goal to fight super middleweight king Canelo Alvarez. However, with his latest win, it appears he has abandoned his dream for now, at least. After acquiring Morrell’s WBA (regular) WBA light heavyweight strap, and his WBC ‘Interim’ light heavyweight belt, he has confirmed his position as the WBC mandatory challenger to the winner of Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol.

The Ring Magazine provided the update on X, writing, “David Benavidez has now confirmed his position as the WBC mandatory challenger to fight the winner of the Feb 22nd Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol rematch for the undisputed light-heavyweight world titles.” The winner of the February 22nd rematch could be fighting again for the undisputed title later this year.

That said, even though Gervonta Davis isn’t exactly happy about referee Thomas Taylor deducting a point from Morrell, Benavidez has officially moved to a bigger challenge.

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BOXING

(Highlights) David Benavidez Outworks David Morrell in Electrifying Brawl, Moves to 30-0

By Admin February 2, 2025

It’s a battle of the unbeatens as David Benavidez puts his interim WBC light heavyweight title on the line against reigning WBA light heavyweight champion David Morrell in Las Vegas.

Boasting an impressive 29-0 record with 24 of his victories coming by way of knockout, Benavidez is quickly emerging as one of professional boxing’s top stars. In his last three outings, ‘El Bandera Roja’ has bagged big wins over Caleb Plant, Demetrius Andrade, and Oleksandr Gvozdyk — the latter of which earned him the interim WBC light heavyweight strap.

Now, he’ll put his gold up for grabs against Morrell, an 11-0 fighter with an 82% finish rate, and his sights set on adding another title to his growing collection.

READ: “That’s How Much They Would Pay Me”: David Benavidez Leaks Details Of Fight Offer Sent From Canelo

Round 1

Morrel starts with a jab to the body and throws a couple of right hands that are just out of range. Benavidez fires back with a left-right followed by a right hook. Benavidez jabs to the head and then the body. Morrell ducks in and lands a nice right. Both fighters are showing off their speed early, but it appears that Benavidez is the man with more power. Morrell unleashes four unanswered punches as he’s definitely the more active fighter with a minute to go in the round.

Benavidez lands to the body and Morrell comes right back with a jab that gets through his opponent’s guard. Benavidez sits down on his punches, ruthlessly attacking Morrell’s body in the center of the ring. Morrell is keeping the volume coming, but

Round 2

Benavidez lands a couple of lefts right out the gate and puts Morrell on his back foot. Morrell uses his jab to punch his way off the ropes. Benavidez responds with a power right. Morrell comes right back with a combination and a big shot to the body. Benavidez gives him his receipt, landing a nasty uppercut to the midsection. Both fighters are standing in the pocket and slinging heavy leather. Morrell throws an uppercut to the chin and then connects with a right hook.

With 10 seconds left in the round, they stand and trade. Morrell showboats a bit, dropping his hands and shrugging after eating a shot from Benavidez. Morrell heads back to his corner with a big smile on his face.

BENAVIDEZ IN SLOW-MOTION!🤯pic.twitter.com/I5D378ibMS

— BoxingScene.com (@boxingscene) February 2, 2025

Round 3

Benavidez throws a powerful right hand that backs Morrell into the corner. Morrell circles his way out and attempts to get Benavidez moving backward with a flurry of strikes near the ring ropes. Morrell throws a right uppercut that narrowly misses. Benavidez rips to the body but gets a warning for the shot being below the belt. Morrell throws a four-punch combo and Benavidez waves him on, asking for more.

Benavidez unleashes a combination of his own. Morrell again misses with the uppercut in close. Benavidez backs Morrell into a corner again, but Morrell punches his way out and avoids taking any more damage before the bell sounds.

Round 4

Morrell lands a right hand, but it’s Benavidez who’s controlling the action early, working Morrell into the corner and lighting him up with blows to the head and body. Morrell tries to fight his way out, but not before eating a couple of stiff shots in the process. Benavidez again puts Morrell against the ropes and Benavidez lands a big uppercut. Morrell uses a couple of lefts to himself out of danger.

Morrell is fighting entirely on the back foot now as Benavidez has taken complete control of the ring. Benavidez clips Benavidez with a vicious straight right hand near the corner, but that seems to spark something in his opponent as Morrell responds with a barrage of strikes in the corner and appears to have Benavidez on the ropes. Benavidez comes right back with a combination right before the bell.

Round 5

Benavidez immediately backs Morrell up but neither fighter lands anything substantial through the first minute of the round. Benavidez is doing a good job of slipping Morrell’s shots. Benavidez doubles on the jab as Morrell moves forward and connects with a couple of solid shots to the body of Benavidez. As Morrell circles away from the ropes, Benavidez pops him with a left, landing his most significant strike in an otherwise lackluster round from Benavidez.

Round 6

Morrell is dancing around the ring and Benavidez is in hot pursuit. Benavidez traps Morrell in the corner long enough to land a combination. Morrell circles away, but Benavidez stays right on him and continues to pepper Morrell with shots against the ring ropes. Benavidez continues to punish the body and throws a right followed by a booming left uppercut that has Morrell backing up. Benavidez starts to unload which prompts Morrell to start fighting back.

Morrell gets Benavidez backed to the ropes and throws a few potshots before Benavidez fights his way out. Benavidez misses with a left hook to the body. Benavidez lands a lead right hand to the body and unloads a couple of uppercuts as the round comes to a close.

Round 7

Benavidez lands a jab to the body and Morrell gives him one right back. Benavidez retakes the center of the ring and rips to the body. Morrell responds with a three-punch combo, but none of them get through Benavidez’s guard. Morrell lands and uppercut. Benavidez delivers an uppercut of his own as the fighters stand in the phone booth and trade. Morrell eats a stiff body shot and takes a deep breath.

Benavidez lands a left and Morrell comes back with a combination. Benavidez lands a right to the body and Morrell gives him his receipt. They continue to go blow-for-blow with Benavidez and Morrell trading rights. Benavidez goes back to working the body as the 10-second clacker sounds. Benavidez lands one more short shot just before the bell.

Round 8

Benavidez continues to march forward. Morrell jabs to try and keep Benavidez at bay as Benavidez jabs to the body. Benavidez lands a glancing left. Morrell lands a counter left that gets a reaction from the crowd. After spending much of the seventh round throwing one punch at a time, Morrell is starting to put together combinations, catching Benavidez with a left to the chin. Benavidez continues to wear on his, landing a right hook, but Morrell comes right back with a combination.

Benavidez backs Morrell to the ropes and unloads some power shots. Morrell lands a right before circling away from and riding out the last few seconds in the round.

Round 9

They meet in the center of the ring. Morrell is throwing shots, but Benavidez’s jab is keeping Morrell just out of range of landing. Benavidez starts to open up, landing shots to the body and uppercuts to the face. Morrell covers up and patiently waits before firing back with a three-punch combination. Benavidez connects with a right hook. Morrell fires right back, going to the body of Benavidez.

Morrell is once again throwing one punch and a time and backing up. Benavidez pursues and rips to the body, but eats a counter right at the end of the round.

Round 10

Through nine rounds, Morrell has thrown more strikes but hasn’t landed nearly as many as Benavidez. Morrell is doing his best to fend off Benavidez with single strikes, but Benavidez is undeterred and lands a stiff uppercut. Morrell throws a right and eats a counter over the top. Benavidez rips to the body as Morrell is covering up and missing with every swing he takes. Benavidez lands a counter right hand and starts to showboat with a little shuffle against the ropes. That gets the crowd riled up as we head into the penultimate round.

Round 11

Benavidez opens with a couple of right hands down the middle before going back to his jab. Perhaps knowing he needs a knockout to win, Morrell starts to move forward and connects with a combination against the ropes. Benavidez lands a left hook to the body. Benavidez follows that up with a lead right, but it’s Morrell who is sitting down on his punches, throwing with lethal intent against the ropes.

Benavidez encourages Morrell to keep throwing as we hit the two-minute mark of the round. Morrell eats a jab before connecting with a counter left that puts Benavidez on the mat for just the second time in his career. Benavidez answers the count and immediately comes out with a vengeance, looking to even the score. As the fighters continue to throw, the bell sounds signaling the end of the round. Benavidez begins to back away, but Morrell throws one more shot that connects.

The referee brings a pause to the bout and immediately deducts a point from Morrell for the late shot, essentially negating the knockdown he scored moments before.

Round 12

With time running out, Morrell comes out fighting fast and furious. Morrell is throwing with intent, but Benavidez lands with a stiff left. Morrell comes with a couple of right hooks followed by a left. Benavidez connects with a left to the body and then an uppercut. Morrell throws a three-punch combo but eats a left hook from Benavidez. With a minute left in the fight, Morrell appears to be nearly out of gas as Benavidez keeps the pressure coming. Morrell throws a looping left that’s just out of range.

As we hit the last 10 seconds of the fight, both fighters decide to show off for the crowd. Morrell throws one more desperation left, but he’s too far out of range and the fight ends with Benavidez celebrating what should be his 30th career win.

Official Result: David Benavidez def. David Morrell via unanimous decision (115-111, 115-111, 118-108)

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BOXING

“That’s How Much They Would Pay Me”: David Benavidez Leaks Details Of Fight Offer Sent From Canelo

By Admin January 30, 2025

David Benavidez is still hopeful of facing Canelo Alvarez one day.

Benavidez has chased a fight against Canelo for a number of years, but it has never materialised and ‘The Mexican Monster’ has since moved up to light heavyweight.

The closest that the boxing world seemed to be to getting the fight was in early 2024, when Alvarez was searching for his next opponent after his victory over Jermell Charlo.

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Benavidez has now explained to All The Smoke Fight that he was approached for the clash, and revealed how much he was offered.

“I always knew I was a problem for him because I was never at the forefront when he mentioned fights. I knew one day people would ask for that fight. They offered him 70 million to fight me, that’s before pay-per-view.

“He pays the guys a flat fee, they had offered me 5 million dollars, I said cool. Sampson Lewkowicz called us before the [Jaime] Munguia fight and said would you be willing to fight a flat fee of 5 million dollars, no pay-per-view. I said yes.”

Benavidez then stated how he believes the offer may have been a ploy.

“We had agreed then we never heard back. They were calling the bait out. They wanted to see if I said yes or no. I think they thought I was going to say ‘no I’m not going to fight for 5 million dollars, this fight is worth way more.’ I called the bluff.

“I said yes and that was the last time we ever heard about that fight. This fight is inevitable, everybody is asking for it. It’s the biggest fight that can possibly be made. I’m not scared of Canelo. I feel like I can beat him.”

Benavidez returns to action this weekend when he takes on David Morrell, with a victory placing him first in line to face the winner of the undisputed rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol later that month.

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BOXING

David Benavidez Reveals Details Of ‘Legendary’ Spar That Made Him 100% Certain He Beats Canelo

By Admin January 26, 2025

David Benavidez hasn’t given up hope on securing a fight with Canelo Alvarez.

Benavidez is the reigning interim WBC light-heavyweight champion, and returns to action to face WBA regular champion David Morrell in Las Vegas on February 1.

‘The Mexican Monster’ moved up to 175lbs after failing to land his dream fight against Canelo, who is the reigning WBC, WBA and WBO super-middleweight champion and looks set to face Terence Crawford later this year.

JUST IN: ‘I Have Had Difficult Fights’: Canelo Announces His Retirement Plans

While Benavidez and Canelo may now compete in separate weight classes, fans are still eager to see a fight between the two men.

Benavidez has always been confident that he would be victorious in a bout against the pound-for-pound star, and he has told The Miami Hustle about past sparring sessions that makes him so certain.

“The reason why I know there is no doubt in my head I beat him is because from 15 to 19 I was Golovkin’s main sparring partner. My sparring sessions with Golovkin were legendary up in Big Bear. I was the best sparring Golovkin has ever had and he’ll tell you that to.

“Watching the fight between Canelo and Golovkin, I had more success in those sparring sessions than Canelo. Obviously it’s a sparring session but I was young, I was 19-years-old. For me to be able to go up against a great fighter like Golovkin and have so much success, that’s how I know that nobody can beat me.”

Canelo and Gennady Golovkin met on three occasions, with Canelo winning two and drawing one, though many felt Golovkin should have won their first encounter that ended as a draw.

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BOXING

Canelo Alvarez Finally Reveals The Real Reason He Refuses To Fight David Benavidez

By Admin January 23, 2025

A fight between Saul ‘Canelo‘ Alvarez and David Benavidez looks further away than ever.

Benavidez, the youngest super-middleweight champion in history, looked to win back a world title by fighting to a mandatory spot for Canelo, who has largely dominated the division since moving up in 2018.

Despite winning the WBC Interim belt, Benavidez failed to force the fight, with Canelo saying he ‘brings nothing to the table’ and slapping a $200 million price tag on the bout.

READ: Terence Crawford Made to Swallow Bitter Pill Over Canelo Alvarez Fight Conditions

In order to push forward in his campaign, Benavidez has now moved up to light-heavyweight and looks unlikely to drop back down. Though Alvarez has fought twice in that division, a jump up to face Benavidez looks unlikely for now. Why?

Speaking to The Ring Magazine, the unified super-middleweight champ was asked if ‘disrespect’ from Benavidez factored into his decision not to pursue the fight.

“Yeah. You know, at this point I fight with everybody, with champions, with all the best. When somebody approach you like that, and call you out like that, you don’t need to give them money. Like I say, I can do whatever I want. I just don’t like the way he approaches taking the fight.”

Benavidez calling Canelo ‘a f***ing pussy’ in his latest interview won’t help matters.

In contrast, the Mexican superstar believes Terence Crawford, who is now reported to be very close to landing the bout, has called him out in the correct way.

“He’s wanted the fight and being respectful. ‘I want Canelo.’ He’s saying nothing bad about me.”

Canelo did not rule out facing Benavidez in the future.

“You never know. Maybe someday I wake up and I say I want to beat this guy.”

For now, though, he appears to be closing in on announcing a fight against Crawford for later this year. The American will have to move up two divisions from his last outing for the pleasure.

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BOXING

Canelo Alvarez Faces Repercussions After $150M Demand for David Benavidez Fight

By Admin January 8, 2025

It has been 3 months since Canelo Alvarez last fought and the hunt for his next opponent is picking up the steam.

However, the search has been yielding slim results, as the unified super middleweight champion has either defeated every good contender or rejected any potential fight with big opponents. While the rumors of him considering Terence Crawford are rising rapidly, there is no confirmation regarding that. Furthermore, a few months ago, he also declined the chance to face former two-time champion David Benavidez, claiming he would only fight for a payout of at least $150 million.

On Sunday, in a conversation with FightHype, Matchroom boxing honcho Eddie Hearn who has had a long association with the Mexican champ before he left to join up with the PBC, reflected on Canelo’s choice of rejecting the Benavidez fight. Furthermore, he also stated how his unfathomable demand might leave him hanging without a possible good opponent.

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While talking about how Terence Crawford vs. Canelo Alvarez might be a mismatch, Hearn shifted his focus to the lack of opponents the 62-2-2 boxer currently has. He asked, “What are the options for Canelo Alvarez?” as the interviewer dropped the name of David Benavidez as the first suggestion.

Even though Hearn knows that it would be a brilliant match, the time has almost passed. “Yeah, but I don’t think that’s going to happen either. You know’s he’s put his flag in the sand, isn’t he?” exclaimed the British promoter. He further talked about the insane payout demand by Canelo and how Benavidez can target better things rather than chase a fight with Canelo. “150 million? I know he takes less but I just don’t see that.”

Furthermore, the ‘Mexican Monster’ is all set to face David Morrell in his first defense of his Interim WBC light heavyweight championship and a win here will put him in a brilliant position to face the winner between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. “He’s now up at 175. I don’t see him coming back to 68. Got a great fight against Morell by the way. It’s a serious fight,” stated Eddie Hearn, claiming that the 29-0 has no reason to look back to Canelo now.

Not long ago, Benavidez was the top contender in the super middleweight division. After defeating the likes of Caleb Plant and Demetrius Andrade, he was next in line to challenge Canelo Alvarez for his undisputed super middleweight championship. But that opportunity never came and in the end, he made the switch to 175 lbs and immediately won the interim title there. As Hearn said, he has no reason to look back now.

The Matchroom Boxing head then discussed all the potential opponents for Canelo Álvarez. Even though his list had many viable options, he was doubtful about every single clash.

The first name that Hearn suggested was Dmitry Bivol. He declared, “You know, Bivol beats Beterbiev on February 22nd, Canelo could fight Bivol for the Undisputed light heavyweight world championship. There’s a fight.” However, even though Canelo has shown interest in re-matching Bivol, the 23-1 boxer has shown no interest whatsoever.

Hearn then dropped the names of fighters like Jermall Charlo, and William Scull, but had his reservations about them too. “There’s a fight, Charlo. People talk about William Scull. I mean you know. Canelo will fight anyone but I don’t see a lot of options for him right now,” explained Eddie Hearn begrudgingly.

He circled back to Terence Crawford and claimed that with the lack of options, Canelo Alvarez might even accept fighting ‘Bud’. However, “if it happens, as good as Terence Crawford is, I just think he’s (Canelo) too big for him,” contended Hearn.

As Hearn stated, it looks like the options for Canelo Alvarez are lessening with each passing day.

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6 Boxing Fights We Need to See Happen in 2025

By Admin December 27, 2024

2024 has been nothing short of a landmark year for boxing!

While it may not rival the Golden Era of Boxing—that unforgettable stretch from the late 1960s to the mid-1970s when legends like Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, and George Foreman captivated the world with blockbuster bouts that transcended sports—it’s undeniable that boxing is experiencing a thrilling resurgence. This revival owes much to recent shifts in how the boxing business is managed and the caliber of matchups being delivered.

These changes are reigniting the passion of fans who once fell in love with the sport’s drama and spectacle. At the heart of this resurgence is one pivotal figure, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh. Yet, even with the exciting momentum, there are still dream fights that the boxing world is yearning for. With hope and anticipation, we’ve compiled a list of matchups we’d love to see. Here’s to Alalshikh working his magic once again to turn these fantasies into reality!

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Canelo Alvarez vs. David Benavidez

Canelo Alvarez is undeniably a legend of the sport—a fighter who has faced some of the finest talent boxing has to offer during his illustrious career. However, as he approaches the twilight of his journey, ‘Cinnamon’ has seemingly chosen a safer path, prioritizing lucrative paydays over high-risk challenges. Thanks to his immense name recognition and carefully cultivated leverage, he’s managed to turn this strategy into a profitable venture.

The biggest casualty of Canelo Alvarez’s selective matchmaking has been David Benavidez. For over a year, ‘The Mexican Monster’ stood as Canelo’s WBC mandatory challenger at super middleweight. Yet, Canelo repeatedly denied Benavidez the opportunity to make history—or to silence his critics by taking on one of the division’s most dangerous fighters. Frustrated and unable to secure the fight, Benavidez was forced to shift his focus to the light heavyweight division, seeking opportunities that eluded him at super middleweight.

Canelo has even gone as far as to demand an unprecedented $200 million purse to face Benavidez—a staggering figure that underscores the challenges in making this fight a reality. While not impossible, such a bout seems unlikely for now. Meanwhile, Benavidez is set to take on David Morrell on February 1st in Las Vegas. Should he emerge victorious, a shot at the undisputed light heavyweight title could be next on his horizon.

Ryan Garcia vs. Devin Haney 2

At the start of this year, Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney delivered a thrilling showdown that had fans buzzing about a potential rematch. In a shocking turn, Garcia dominated Haney, dropping him three times before securing a majority decision win. However, the celebration was short-lived as Garcia later tested positive for Ostarine.

The victory was overturned to a no-contest, Garcia was fined his entire purse, and he received a suspension lasting over a year. The fallout didn’t stop there—Haney sued Garcia, citing battery and breach of contract, escalating the tension between the two fighters.

The animosity between Garcia and Haney has deep roots, stemming from their six amateur bouts. With both fighters eager to settle the score, a rematch in 2025—potentially in Saudi Arabia—could reignite their storied rivalry, setting the stage for one of boxing’s most dramatic comebacks.

However, Turki Alalshaikh has one condition Garcia has to meet for the fight to happen. “First of all, I like Ryan Garcia, and second, I want to do a big fight with him,” Alalshikh told Charlie Parsons. “But I’ll tell you my situation now… I’m against drugs and everything, I said to Ryan Garcia ‘You must pass the test and clear yourself’ and I’m waiting for you and this is fair.”

Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford

After or before Benavidez, the fans wouldn’t really mind, Canelo Alvarez needs to face Terence Crawford. ‘Bud’ has been lobbying for the fight since he defeated Errol Spence Jr. last year, emerging as the first male boxer to achieve undisputed status in two different weight classes. The Nebraska technician even agreed to climb up to the super middleweight division.

All this in an effort to make his last fight in the sport a big payday! However, Canelo Alvarez has brushed past this potential fight, suggesting he has nothing to gain from the fight. During Crawford’s last appearance against Israil Madrimov, His Excellency had even reached out to Canelo’s team to make the fight real.

However, ‘Cinnamon’ made some absurd demands for the fight, so it quickly fell apart and produced a very public back-and-forth between Canelo and the Saudi Royal. As of the time of writing, there’s no sign of this fight actually coming to fruition. Meanwhile, Crawford remains adamant about fighting Canelo as he looks to exit the sport with a big payday.

Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua

Moving on to the heavyweight side of things, former WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury just lost his rematch against Oleksandr Usyk. Many are speculating whether the English heavyweight would call it quits after his second consecutive career loss. However, there’s a lot of money left on the table for the Brit.

The good news is, now, he has nothing to lose—his precious zero is gone, and Usyk’s win has erased the possibility of a trilogy. Similarly, former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has suffered four losses now, and the biggest fight on the table for him would be a bout against Tyson Fury. The all-British clash would be bigger than Joshua’s bout against Daniel Dubois.

And there’s no reason for Joshua or Fury to not cash in on the fight. Even if it’s not a title fight, the British fan base has been asking for this bout for several years now and if the fight happens, it would definitely be a blockbuster. With both fighters approaching their 40s, 2025 would be the best year for them to get it out of the way.

Jake Paul vs. Tommy Fury 2

Although boxing purists often refuse to consider Jake Paul a legitimate boxer—largely due to his choice of opponents, including MMA fighters and aging, out-of-prime boxers—the Cleveland native has undeniably carved out a significant name for himself in the sport. His latest performance against the legendary Mike Tyson, or more precisely, the staggering numbers the fight generated, has cemented his status as a sought-after figure in boxing.

Following the Tyson fight, Paul received several offers but has yet to announce his next opponent. Rumors are swirling about a potential bout with Conor McGregor in India, but the fight fans are clamoring for a rematch with Tommy Fury. The two first faced off in February 2023, a match that handed ‘The Problem Child’ his first professional loss.

If Paul truly wants to be taken seriously as a boxer, a rematch with Fury seems inevitable. Reports previously revealed that Paul’s team, MVP, had approached Fury for a Netflix-backed fight instead of the Tyson showdown. However, Fury and his father turned down the offer. With the success of Paul’s Netflix venture, the dynamics may have shifted, making 2025 an ideal time for this much-anticipated rematch.

Gervonta Davis vs. Shakur Stevenson

WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis is arguably the biggest name in boxing today. However, in a surprising turn of events, Davis recently announced his retirement from the sport after 2025. This revelation came shortly before he shared on social media that his March 1st bout was canceled. Interestingly, his opponent, Lamont Roach, has made conflicting statements, and tickets for the fight remain on sale.

Despite the confusion, fans appear relieved about the fight’s cancellation. Many believed Roach, who was moving up a weight class for the bout, posed little challenge to Davis. Instead, fans are calling for a showdown between Davis and Shakur Stevenson before Davis steps away from the ring. Stevenson, who shares the same weight class as Davis, has been vocal about wanting the fight for some time.

Davis, however, has largely avoided the matchup, even though most experts agree Stevenson would be his toughest challenge yet. With few legitimate contenders left in the division, 2025 seems like the perfect time for these two fighters to finally deliver the matchup fans have been waiting for. This clash has the potential to be a massive pay-per-view event and could even break existing records.

That concludes our list of fights that should happen in 2025, but we would also like to see Joseph Parker, Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez, and Oleksandr Usyk in action as well.

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BOXING

Canelo Alvarez accused of turning down mega $70million offer to fight ‘avoided’ rival

By Admin December 5, 2024

Canelo Alvarez turned down $70million because he is afraid, claims David Benavidez.

The Mexican-American has been trying to secure a showdown with the iconic Alvarez for years.

Many fans think Benavidez would give Canelo his toughest test yet and former two-weight world champion Paulie Malignaggi thinks he is avoiding him.

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Alvarez has dominated the super-middleweight division with Gennady Golovkin, Caleb Plant, Callum Smith, Billy Joe Saunders, Jaime Munguia, and Edgar Berlanga all beaten at 168lbs.

But undefeated Benavidez insists his mega-money offer was snubbed by the 34-year-old.

“This fight isn’t happening because he doesn’t want to fight me. There is no other way around it,” he told Cigar Talk.

“He doesn’t want to fight me because he’s scared of me. Look at him, Canelo is in the spot where he’s at because he’s fought the best and now he’s making the biggest bags.

“He’s all about making money now he doesn’t care about challenge, but the reason I’m saying he’s scared is that they offered him $70million to fight me, that’s before pay-per-view. Imagine how much he would make off pay-per-view.”

Even Mike Tyson admitted he would be afraid to share a ring with Benavidez

“He’s so underrated but so over-polarised here,” Tyson told ES NEWS of The Mexican Monster.

“Listen, I’d be afraid to fight him too if I was in that division.

“No one even has a chance against him, and I’m talking facts.”

Canelo, who has also been called out by Jake Paul, previously suggested he would require an extortionate purse of $200million for him to duke it out with Benavidez.

The frustrated 27-year-old has since moved up to light-heavyweight to take on WBA regular champion David Morrell in January.

Boxing analyst Teddy Atlas is predicting an interesting bout.

“That’s an interesting fight. It’s a very dangerous fight for both guys,” he told Fighthype.

“It’s two guys in there with their futures in front of them and they’re both taking a big risk. That’s what makes this fight so special.

“They’re taking a risk when a lot of fighters wouldn’t. They’d say ‘no I’m waiting for a bigger fight.’ Not a bigger fight as far as danger, but as far as a pay day.

“A guy like Morrell, not a lot of fighters at this stage of their career would go and take on a dangerous fight like Benavidez. And Benavidez, give him credit too.

“He didn’t get the Canelo fight, and was right in line for winner of Bivol-Beterbiev. What does he do? Does he sit around? No, he takes this one. I’m really curious for that fight I really am.”

Artur Beterbiev currently rules at light-heavyweight but will face Dmitry Bivol again on a night being described as the “greatest boxing card ever.”

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BOXING

‘keep ducking me, and not fighting me’: David Benavidez states that Canelo can avoid him if he wants

By Admin November 23, 2024

In a recent interview with ESPN, David Benavidez shared his goals in professional boxing and his desire to face the best fighters.

Known as “The Red Flag,” Benavidez highlighted his commitment to sporting excellence and his determination to leave a legacy comparable to the greatest legends in boxing.

Benavidez made it clear that his primary motivation isn’t money but accomplishments.

JUST IN: [VIDEO] Usyk Tells Fury: ‘You Never Hurt Me’ During Roundtable Discussion

“When I was a little kid, I had made a promise to myself that I was gonna go up against the best fighters and I was gonna beat the best fighters,” Benavidez declared.

The two-time super middleweight world champion expressed admiration for iconic figures like Oscar De La Hoya, Julio César Chávez, Roy Jones Jr., and Marco Antonio Barrera.

According to David Benavidez in his interview with ESPN, his goal is for his career to be remembered on the same level as these legendary boxers.

When asked about a potential fight with Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez, Benavidez adopted a firm tone.

“I think I’ve shown my worth. Everybody knows that the fight versus me and Canelo would definitely be a sellout. If Canelo doesn’t ever want to fight me, then I don’t need to fight him. I really don’t care,” Benavidez stated.

At the same time, Benavidez emphasized that he’s not willing to wait indefinitely for Canelo.

“If he wants to keep ducking me, and not fighting me, and showing the world that he only cares about money and not about fighting the best fighters in the world, then he can do whatever he wants,” Benavidez expressed.

“I don’t care about Canelo. All I care about is my career. I care about staying in my lane and beating the best fighters in the world. And that’s how it’s always gonna be,” Benavidez affirmed.

Despite his stance, David Benavidez acknowledged the public’s interest in a fight between the two.

“Obviously, that’s a fight that we all want. It would be a great fight for the fans. But you know what I mean? At the end of the day, if he don’t want [it], I can’t force that man to fight me,” Benavidez said.

The boxer expressed his desire to remain dominant in the ring, emphasizing that his goal doesn’t hinge on a specific matchup.

“I’m gonna just keep winning, keep being dominant and, you know, making my own lane from here on out,” Benavidez concluded.

At just 27 years old, David Benavidez continues to position himself as one of the most promising talents in professional boxing.

Although a fight with Canelo remains uncertain, Benavidez remains focused on his goal of becoming a boxing legend.

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