If Saul “Canelo” Alvarez chose not to include David Benavidez or Jaime Munguia in his Mexican-themed gathering on May 4 in Las Vegas, it was highly likely that one of them would feel dissatisfied or excluded.
Despite the fact that he could only engage in a single battle on that specific day, only one of his fellow countrymen would be chosen, especially if the opponent happened to be Mexican. In other words, only one deserving individual would obtain the prestigious golden ticket.
In the end, Alvarez chose Munguia, who had an impressive record of 43-0 (34). On Tuesday (March 19), Alvarez explained why he changed his mind about not fighting another Mexican and decided to face Munguia. He appreciated Munguia’s respectful nature and his consistent dedication in the ring, which made him deserving of this opportunity. Alvarez expressed his satisfaction in making this fight happen.
Munguia possesses exceptional discipline and demonstrates immense power in his punches. As a power puncher myself, I relish the opportunity to face fighters who share our hunger and determination, just like Munguia. Together, we can deliver exhilarating performances inside the ring, providing the fans with the unforgettable spectacle they truly deserve.
Choosing to fight a fellow Mexican on Cinco de Mayo weekend in Las Vegas is a logical decision for Alvarez. However, his decision to select Munguia over Benavidez has sparked curiosity from both the public and Benavidez himself. Benavidez, feeling somewhat rejected, is eager to understand what qualities Munguia possesses that he lacks. Additionally, he is perplexed as to why Alvarez can dismiss him as having “nothing to offer” and be allowed to use this as a valid excuse to avoid fighting him.
In a direct message to Alvarez on social media, Benavidez, with an undefeated record of 28 wins (24 by knockout), expressed, “If I truly have no value, then why are you insisting on receiving a staggering 150-200 million to fight someone who is considered worthless? Maybe, once you amass that 150 million, you’ll have some funds remaining to acquire some courage.”
Alvarez’s decision to fight Munguia instead of Benavidez likely stems from the fact that the former poses a lower risk. This is something that Benavidez and others would likely acknowledge. It is widely recognized that fighters like Alvarez, with impressive records and financial success, achieve this by strategically choosing their opponents and claiming they have nothing to gain from certain fights. Timing plays a crucial role in their career, as always.
