The buildup to the showdown between Canelo Álvarez and Terence Crawford also left room for another topic that continues to ignite the boxing world: the potential clash between the undisputed super middleweight champion and David Benavidez. From Las Vegas, the Mexican made it clear that he has never turned down that challenge and, while his focus is on the present, he does not rule out that the fight could happen in the future.

Canelo denies avoiding Benavidez

At the press conference held at the T-Mobile Arena, Canelo Álvarez directly addressed the criticism that he has avoided a fight with Benavidez in recent years.

“Look, I never say no to anything. We’ll see later. But right now, I’m 100 percent focused on this fight,” said the Mexican star, referring to his showdown this Saturday against Crawford.

The bout with the American will headline a card broadcast worldwide on Netflix, with Álvarez defending his IBF, WBA, WBC, and WBO belts. With 63 wins and 39 knockouts already to his name, he now faces the challenge of stopping an undefeated rival seeking to make history by becoming a five-division world champion.

Benavidez’s path

Meanwhile, David Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs) remains focused on his own journey. After moving up to the light heavyweight division in 2024, the Phoenix-born fighter will defend his WBC title at 175 pounds on November 22 against Britain’s Anthony Yarde in a high-profile event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The American has repeatedly stated that he doesn’t dwell on Álvarez, though he admits the possibility of facing him would be a dream come true: “If that fight never happens, I’ll be fine with it. I stay in my lane; I want to beat the best like Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev. But if that fight comes, believe me, I’ll be ready.”

An inevitable showdown for boxing

Fans and analysts continue to stoke anticipation. With Canelo Álvarez defending his legacy at super middleweight and David Benavidez making his mark at light heavyweight, the possibility of a clash between them keeps alive the prospect of one of the most enticing fights of the last decade.

Although the Mexican insists that his immediate focus is on Terence Crawford, his message that he’s “not closing the door” on Benavidez fuels hopes that sooner or later, this clash of styles and generations will finally take place—a fight boxing fans have been waiting years to see.