1. Shane Mosley Jr. Highlights Youth Advantage for Benavidez in Potential Canelo Showdown
Shane Mosley Jr., the rising middleweight contender, has expressed his belief that David Benavidez’s youth would give him the edge in a potential fight against the seasoned Canelo Alvarez. Mosley Jr. points to the age gap and the differing career trajectories of the two fighters as key factors.
2. Age and Experience: Benavidez vs. Canelo
David Benavidez, at 27 years old with an unbeaten record of 29-0 and 24 knockouts, is seven years younger than Canelo Alvarez, who is 34. Canelo’s storied career includes battles with some of the toughest opponents in the sport, such as Gennadiy Golovkin, Miguel Cotto, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Dmitry Bivol, and Sergey Kovalev.
3. Benavidez’s Career Path Under Scrutiny
Despite his impressive record, Benavidez’s resume is often criticized for lacking high-profile opponents. His most notable win came against Caleb Plant, whom Canelo had already defeated. Critics argue that Benavidez has taken an easier path to the top, avoiding the kind of challenges Canelo has faced.
4. The Weight Issue: Benavidez’s Super Middleweight Status
Benavidez’s ability to make weight at 168 pounds is a subject of controversy. Many believe he should be competing at light heavyweight, given his large frame. Comparisons have been drawn to Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., who also cut significant weight to fight in lower weight classes early in his career.
5. Chavez Jr.’s Career as a Warning
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. initially found success by cutting weight to compete in lighter divisions, capturing a world title at middleweight in 2011. However, his career declined rapidly once he could no longer make the weight. Mosley Jr. suggests that Benavidez might face a similar fate once he is forced to fight at 175 pounds.
6. Benavidez’s Struggle at Light Heavyweight
Benavidez’s debut at light heavyweight against 37-year-old Oleksandr Gvozdyk on June 15th revealed potential issues. Although Benavidez won, the fight was much closer than the judges’ scores indicated. This performance raised doubts about his ability to compete effectively in the higher weight class.
7. Mosley Jr.’s Perspective on Canelo’s Career
Shane Mosley Jr. has high praise for Canelo Alvarez, describing his career as legendary. “He’s fought everybody. He’s done all you need to do,” Mosley Jr. told Pro Boxing Fans. He emphasized that Canelo doesn’t need to fight Benavidez to prove himself, but acknowledged that fans are eager to see the best fight the best.
8. The Rehydration Clause Dilemma
A significant concern for a potential Canelo vs. Benavidez fight is the rehydration clause. Benavidez’s size advantage might be mitigated if a rehydration limit were imposed, but it could also prevent him from making weight. Canelo, who has fought at light heavyweight, might struggle against a fully rehydrated Benavidez.
9. The Clash of Styles
Mosley Jr. believes that despite both fighters being explosive and capable of throwing good combinations, Benavidez’s youth gives him an edge. “He has the fresher body,” said Mosley Jr., suggesting that Benavidez’s relative youth could make him too fresh for Canelo.
10. The Future for Benavidez
Mosley Jr. predicts that Benavidez will continue to fight at 168 pounds as long as possible. Once he moves up to 175 pounds, where fighters like Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol await, Benavidez might face significant challenges. His career trajectory could mirror that of Chavez Jr., who struggled after moving up in weight./
