The new excuse Canelo will use to avoid Benavidez identified

Saul 'Canelo' Álvarez is under increasing pressure from fans and analysts to take on the undefeated number one contender and former champion David Benavidez.

The 27-year-old beat Caleb Plant And Demetrius Andrade in 2023 to consolidate his position, but a fight with the 168 champion with four belts continues to elude him, to the point that he recently moved up to light heavyweight.

Benavidezfirst victory by 175 Alexander Gvozdyk earned him the WBC interim title, but the performance did not impress all spectators, especially in the second half of the fight, where he began to noticeably weaken after a good start.

What does Malignaggi think?

Speaking on Pro Box TV in this regard, the former world champion turned expert Paulie Malignaggi says that Canelo could now use his potential opponent's latest performance as an “excuse” to avoid the fight.

“I don't think he'll come any closer Benavidez. In fact, maybe he'll use that as an excuse for the opposite: he'll say he doesn't look good, he's mediocre, why do I have to fight this guy? I'm going to fight John Ryder.

I stand by what I've said over the last few years: he's not going to fight him.”

After the fight, Benavidez confirmed that he would move down to super middleweight to continue his quest for Canelo. President of the WBC Mauricio Sulaiman said he was welcome to apply to retain interim titles in both divisions.

After the victory Jaime Munguia in May, Canelo set to return in September with WBA mandatory challenger Edgar Berlanga with a good firing cry.