BOXING
Prograis: “Benavidez is not ready for Canelo”
‘The Mexican Monster’ is willing to fight Canelo Álvarez after beating Caleb Plant in March, but boxer Regis Prograis thinks Benavidez is not ready for that challenge yet.
David Benavidez solidified himself this year as one of the best boxers and a threat to the top names in the super middleweight and light heavyweight divisions.
The undefeated star (27-0-23 KOs) emerged victorious in his biggest test so far as a professional boxer by clearly outpointing Caleb Plant at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas.
The fighter’s priority has always been facing Mexican superstar and WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, and WBO super middleweight champion Canelo Álvarez in a fight for all the belts, but now it’s up to the Guadalajara native to decide whom he should fight next.
Benavidez’s father, Jose, recently stated that Álvarez is past his prime and that boxing fans have already seen the best of him. Whether he’s right or not, it’s a way of calling Canelo’s attention to a potential bout.
Canelo, still on another level
However, according to current WBC light welterweight titleholder Regis Prograis, calling out Canelo might be a mistake by Benavidez.
“I don’t think Benavidez is on that level yet as far as Canelo-wise because Plant couldn’t keep him off. Plant just couldn’t keep him off because h didn’t have the power. For someone like Canelo, he has the power to probably keep him off. I don’t think he’ll beat Canelo right now”, Prograis said.
“I just think Benavidez is not yet there. He’s close to being on that level with Canelo. For me, Canelo is just a step above”, he added.
Prograis also believes that Canelo, at 32, still has plenty to offer and shouldn’t be underestimated at any time.
“You can’t count Canelo out. Canelo is a beast. I don’t think he’s getting older. People are saying he’s getting older. I don’t see that,” Prograis concluded.
Benavidez will likely wait for the outcome of the Canelo vs John Ryder fight that will take place in May before choosing what to do.
The Mexican is expected to defeat Ryder in front of his fans in Guadalajara, but even if he emerges victorious, it’s not clear both sides will start negotiations to make the fight happen.
If that bout can’t be made, Benavidez’s team will probably take the Dmitry Bivol option, although the undefeated Russian could choose to face Canelo or Artur Beterbiev instead.