Abel Sanchez on possible fight between Canelo and Benavidez: 'It won't happen'
Abel Sanchez advised Benavidez to forget about that fight once and for all, since Canelo Alvarez has no interest in fighting him
Trainer Abel Sanchez assured that a possible fight between David Benavidez, WBC light heavyweight champion, and Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez won't be fighting him, especially after losing his 168-pound title to Terence Crawford. In an interview with FightHub TV, Sanchez advised Benavidez to forget about that fight once and for all, as Canelo Alvarez has no interest in fighting him. “Canelo has no reason to fight David. Benavidez needs to forget about that fight. If it didn't happen before, it certainly won't happen now that Canelo has lost!” he said. Before defending his title for the first time against Anthony Yarde, whom he defeated by technical knockout in the seventh round, the Mexican Monster stated that the fight with the former super middleweight champion could happen in 2026. However, after his victory, he confirmed that his next fight will be against Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez. Canelo Alvarez underwent elbow surgery and will return. to action in mid-2026. According to what the Guadalajara native told TV Azteca, his plans are to seek a rematch with Crawford to regain the titles.
Remember that for three years David Benavidez was the official challenger and tried every possible way to get the attention of the Mexican four-division champion, but never received a response. The Mexican-American opted to move up to 175 pounds, became the mandatory challenger and then the WBC champion after Dmitry Bivol relinquished the belt to complete the trilogy with Artur Beterbiev.
In contrast, Canelo Alvarez has been criticized in recent years for choosing opponents from smaller weight classes or ones he can beat. In fact, in his recent fight against Terence Crawford—who moved up two weight classes to face him—he lost his undisputed 168-pound championship. David Benavidez, 29, captured the WBA regular 175-pound title from David Morrell after defeating him by decision. The Mexican Monster boasts a record of 30 wins.24 of them by knockout and no losses in his professional career.
Meanwhile, Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez, 35, lost his undisputed 168-pound championship to Crawford in a historic fight. The Mexican now has a record of 63 wins (39 by knockout), three losses, and two draws in his professional career.