David Benavidez’s father and trainer, José Benavidez Sr., once again charged against Saúl Canelo Álvarez after his son’s knockout of Anthony Yarde on November 22, 2025. With strong statements, he assured that if Canelo does not accept the fight, “his fear” will haunt him forever.
According to Benavidez Sr., the tapatío would have “avoided” fighting the “Mexican Monster” for fear of his skills. “I think when Canelo saw the fight he started to see David getting better and better. Maybe he hid in his closet… he was terrified,” he stated in an interview with Fight Hub TV. He added that that fear would mark Canelo’s legacy: “It will be his shadow forever.”
The fight that never came
Maybe he hid in his closet
José Benavidez Sr.
The background to this controversy goes back to the fact that when Benavidez was a mandatory challenger at 168 pounds, many saw a fight with Canelo as inevitable.
However, Canelo did not accept the challenge and eventually moved up in rank.
For his part, Canelo has explained on several occasions his decision not to face Benavidez.
He argues differences in weight and style, in addition to his interest in other rivals.
Sources say he may even look for fights in different divisions.
Fans still dreaming of a historic duel
Meanwhile, David Benavidez has not lowered his intensity.
After his victory over Yarde, he maintains his undefeated record and is focused on his next objectives, although he does not rule out a future face-to-face with Canelo.
For the U.S. Hispanic community and Latino boxing fans, this exchange of statements – and the latent possibility of a duel between two heavyweight fighters – keeps alive the expectation of a historic showdown.
With the current context (recent headlines, category changes and career strategy), the fight between Benavidez and Canelo seems more and more distant, but also more expected.
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