Gabe Rosado, the veteran and seasoned professional boxer, has voiced his opinion on the conjectured clash between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford. He expounded on the situation emphatically stating that “Crawford fight MAKES NO SENSE for Canelo!”. Moreover, he dispelled the growing view that Canelo Alvarez is deliberately avoiding the younger fighter David Benavidez, declaring that Alvarez is “Not DUCKING Benavidez!”.
Both proponents and critics of the boxing world have been swirling with speculations about Canelo’s next opponent. Crawford, a current WBO welterweight champion, is usually on the list. However, Rosado argues the fight makes no sense for Canelo, a middleweight class fighter, as they belong to different weight divisions. As per the boxing rules, Canelo would have to drop about seven pounds to spar with Crawford, which could cause a considerable impact on his performance.
When asked about David Benavidez, the younger, more potent fighter reportedly being avoided by Canelo, Gabe Rosado was quick to dispel the rumors. He disagreed with the widely circulated notion stating, “Being meticulous about choosing opponents or waiting for an opportune time to fight is not synonymous with ducking,”.
Canelo Alvarez’s track record of engaging in highly charged and challenging fights against the likes of Floyd Mayweather, Sergey Kovalev, and Triple G only reinforces Rosado’s conviction. Canelo’s strategy has always been aimed towards significant career progression without compromising his health or boxing ability.
In stark contrast to the prevailing rumors, Rosado believes Canelo v/s Benavidez is a distinct possibility. He said, “Canelo’s fighting decisions are dictated by his training camp and manager. He’s strategizing and selecting fights that would be both competitive and lucrative, and Benavidez fits that profile.”. What needs to be addressed is the proper timing and whether the fight’s benefit outweighs the potential risk to both boxers.
There’s no denying that David Benavidez, a two-time WBC super middleweight champion, is a worthy opponent. However, he is also six years younger than Canelo. As Rosado pointed out, “In boxing, strategizing is equally important as fighting. Canelo recognizes that. He hasn’t declined the fight; he is simply waiting for the right time.”
Canelo has been reigning supreme over boxing divisions along the lines of middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight, and super welterweight. He is a powerful boxer with over 56 wins, 38 by knockout, and just one loss and two draws. Therefore, there is a need to protect his reputation without being labelled as a risk-avoider.
The prospect of a Canelo v/s Crawford or Benavidez fight remains up in the air. Whichever direction Canelo decides to go, it would undeniably be a spectacle for boxing fans. Crawford and Benavidez are both stellar boxers, but the timing and strategic aspects play a significant role.
Rosado’s statements put to rest the speculation about Canelo ducking opponents. It’s no secret that Canelo is a calculating fighter who chooses his opponents strategically, which might not always align with the public’s perception or desire. Being a formidable force in boxing, it comes as no surprise that every move he makes is scrutinized and analyzed by fans and critics alike. Thus, for now, fans will have to wait and see who Canelo squares off against next time in the ring.
