David Benavidez, one of boxing’s rising stars, recently weighed in on the much-anticipated Canelo Alvarez vs Oscar De La Hoya saga. His bold proclamation that Canelo would lose in his prime caught the attention of many and stirred up heated discussions among boxing enthusiasts worldwide.
The former WBC Super Middleweight champion was not one to mince his words when offering his perspective on this hypothetical matchup. Benavidez claimed that Canelo Alvarez, the unified super-middleweight world champion, would suffer defeat if he ever went toe-to-toe with De La Hoya in his prime.
“The Golden Boy”, De La Hoya, proved to be a force to be reckoned with during the peak of his career. He has fought against legends like Floyd Mayweather Jr., Manny Pacquiao, and Bernard Hopkins, demonstrating his skill and prowess in the ring. His remarkable career statistics, including 39 wins and 30 knockouts, lend weight to Benavidez’s claims.
“Look, Canelo is great, no doubt about that. In fact, he’s one of the best in our current era. But if we’re talking about De La Hoya in his prime? Canelo would lose,” Benavidez said in an interview.
Benavidez’s statement has sparked controversy and elicited mixed reactions from fans and critics of the sport. Despite the divide, it’s clear that the boxing world holds a deep reverence and respect for both fighters. Canelo, with his powerful punches, strategic thinking, and tenacity is a formidable competitor, and De La Hoya’s legacy is undoubtedly iconic.
While Benavidez seems confident about his prediction, it is worth noting that comparing boxers from different eras is an age-old argument that often yields more questions than definitive answers. Moreover, every boxing enthusiast recognizes that each bout is unpredictable and depends on various factors such as physical condition, preparation, and strategy.
Moreover, Canelo’s prime is viewed by some as still ongoing. The Mexican boxer recently became the undisputed champion after defeating Caleb Plant in November 2021, making history by becoming the first undisputed super-middleweight champion in the four-belt era. The question that arises is, can Canelo’s current performance carry clout against De La Hoya’s exemplary records when he was at his prime?
Interestingly, David Benavidez has had his sights on Canelo for a while now. Unfazed by Canelo’s dominance, he has often expressed his readiness to challenge him. Does his surprising prediction about Canelo losing to De La Hoya serve as a strategic move to undermine Canelo? Only time will tell.
Both Canelo Alvarez and Oscar De La Hoya have set high standards in boxing history. Whether one would triumph over the other in their prime is a debate that may never be settled definitively. However, conversations such as these remind us of the greatness of these athletes and fuel anticipation for future boxing matches.
To conclude, David Benavidez’s comments have certainly added more layers to the complex narrative surrounding the hypothetical Canelo vs De La Hoya bout. Whether you agree with Benavidez or not, his remarks affirm boxing’s rich legacy and ongoing evolution, fanning the embers of this never-ending debate.
