Canelo Alvarez Concerned About David Benavidez’s Extreme Weight Gain
Promoter Eddie Hearn has raised an important concern for Canelo Alvarez ahead of a potential super middleweight mega-fight against David Benavidez regarding Benavidez’s extreme rehydration after weighing in.
In a recent statement, Canelo expressed his worry over Benavidez gaining back 25 lbs after weighing in at 168 lbs, effectively making him a cruiserweight on fight night. This significant weight gain has raised questions about the fairness of competition in boxing.
Strategic Weight Class Selection
Benavidez’s decision to fight at super middleweight rather than cruiserweight is strategic. The 200-lb division lacks star power and poses a higher risk for Benavidez, who would have to face heavier opponents with significant power, such as Jai Opetaia.
By staying at 168 lbs, Benavidez can target smaller fighters like Canelo, whose size disadvantage could be exploited due to Benavidez’s weight advantage on fight night. This strategy has led to Benavidez being labeled as a potential “weight bully.”
At 27 years old, Benavidez’s youth allows him to manipulate his weight to gain an advantage, a tactic that becomes harder for fighters as they age past their prime.
Cruiserweight Advantage
- Eddie Hearn emphasized Benavidez’s significant weight gain post-weigh-in, noting that he could enter the ring at 200 lbs or more for a fight against Canelo.
- This weight disparity gives Benavidez a substantial size advantage over Canelo, potentially impacting the outcome of the fight.
- Hearn highlighted the challenge Canelo would face against Benavidez’s superior size, making it a tough matchup for the superstar.
Fairness in Competition
Canelo’s concerns about Benavidez’s weight manipulation stem from a desire for fairness in the sport. By depleting his weight to 168 lbs and then rehydrating to cruiserweight levels, Benavidez gains an unfair advantage over opponents in the super middleweight division.
While Canelo refrains from excessive weight gain post-weigh-in, maintaining a size disadvantage against opponents like Benavidez, the issue of fairness remains a central point in discussions about potential matchups.
Summary:
Canelo Alvarez faces concerns over David Benavidez’s extreme weight gain, with the latter rehydrating to cruiserweight levels post-weigh-in. Benavidez’s strategic weight manipulation raises questions about fairness and competitiveness in boxing, as Canelo navigates potential matchups against opponents with size advantages.
