David Benavidez has been linked to a potential clash with Canelo Alvarez for years. However, he now realizes that a fight against the Mexican legend may never actually materialize.
Canelo Alvarez is entering the final stage of his storied career. For that reason, fans believe it is time for him to take on the challengers he has previously bypassed, most notably Benavidez, who has long been the mandatory contender at super middleweight.
However, Benavidez himself, who Jake Paul has admitted he would never face, has grown tired of waiting for the call from the Alvarez camp. He recently admitted that despite continuous requests from the boxing world, the bout may remain a “what if” in boxing history.
“I feel like I’ve moved on, but I don’t think the people have moved on, to be honest with you,” Benavidez told TMZ Sports. “I always have hope that the fight is going to happen because the fight is too big — it’s too big a fight to leave it on the table.”
Retirement looms for Canelo
In recent interviews, Canelo Alvarez has stated his intention to retire by age 37; he is currently 35. However, his most recent performances suggest that his departure from the ring could come sooner than expected.
Last September, Canelo was defeated by Terence Crawford in a result that stunned the boxing community. Crawford, who moved up two weight classes to secure the win, unexpectedly retired shortly after, leaving Canelo without the immediate opportunity for a rematch to avenge the loss.
Without a clear path to a high-profile victory, the idea of retirement seems to be weighing more heavily on Alvarez. While he remains a legendary figure, his performance against Crawford proved that his physical prime may be behind him.
Could Canelo Alvarez face Jake Paul?
Jake Paul has repeatedly voiced his desire to step into the ring with Canelo Alvarez. While both men are coming off losses, Alvarez may now view a bout against the “Problem Child” as a viable financial opportunity before hanging up the gloves.
Following Paul’s dramatic knockout loss to Anthony Joshua in March 2026, a matchup with Alvarez could serve as a “bounce-back” opportunity for both. However, taking such a fight would likely signal the definitive end of Canelo’s status as an elite professional contender, shifting his legacy toward the “celebrity boxing” circuit.
