Boxing and politics may seem like two completely different worlds, but in reality, the two often converge in the world of sports. Just like in the hit political drama “House of Cards”, the sport of boxing is full of intrigue, power plays, and unexpected twists. A recent example of this can be seen in the ongoing standoff between two top fighters, Canelo Alvarez and David Benavidez.
For those who may have missed it, Canelo Alvarez was stripped of his WBC (World Boxing Council) title in 2020 due to his refusal to face then-mandatory challenger David Benavidez. However, after defeating Avni Yildirim earlier this year, Canelo was once again declared the WBC super middleweight champion. This decision did not sit well with David Benavidez, who felt that he was unfairly denied a shot at the title.
In a recent interview, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman expressed his disappointment at the collapsed fight between Alvarez and Benavidez. He placed the blame squarely on Benavidez, citing the fighter’s failure to make weight as the reason for the fight not happening. Sulaiman also went on to say that Benavidez has lost his opportunity to fight Canelo and may not get another chance in the near future.
These comments from the WBC President have sparked a heated debate among boxing fans and experts. While some agree with Sulaiman’s stance, others feel that it is unfair to blame Benavidez for the fight not happening. After all, making weight is a crucial aspect of any professional fight, and fighters are well aware of this.
But, looking at the bigger picture, it seems like this standoff between Canelo and Benavidez is just another example of politics and power plays in the sport of boxing. Canelo is one of the biggest names in the sport, and his fights generate millions of dollars in revenue. This makes him a valuable asset for any sanctioning body, and the WBC is no exception.
It is no secret that Canelo has had his fair share of issues with the WBC in the past. Back in 2016, he was stripped of the middleweight title by the organization when he refused to fight then-mandatory challenger Gennady Golovkin. This led to a lot of backlash from the boxing community, with many accusing the WBC of showing favoritism towards Canelo.
Fast forward to 2021, and we see history repeating itself. Once again, Canelo is at odds with the WBC over a mandatory challenger, and once again, he is being protected by the organization. This situation has not gone down well with many fans, who feel that the WBC is not doing its job properly and is being biased towards Canelo.
But, as fans of the sport, it is important to look at this situation objectively. Yes, there may be some truth to the accusations of favoritism towards Canelo, but we must also understand that boxing is a business. And like any other business, there will always be politics involved. It is up to the fighters and their teams to navigate these politics and make the best decisions for their careers.
On the other hand, David Benavidez is a rising star in the sport of boxing. At just 24 years old, he already has an impressive record of 24 wins with 21 of them coming by way of knockout. He has proven himself to be a formidable opponent in the super middleweight division, and many feel that he deserves a shot at the title.
But, unfortunately, it seems like Benavidez’s fate is in the hands of the WBC and Canelo Alvarez. Whether he will get another chance to fight for the title remains to be seen. But one thing is for sure, Benavidez has shown that he is not afraid to take risks and face the best in the division.
In conclusion, the standoff between Canelo Alvarez and David Benavidez is a classic example of the politics and power plays that exist in the world of boxing. While it may be disheartening for fans to see a potentially exciting fight not happening, it is important to remember that this is just one chapter in the ever-evolving sport of boxing. As fans, let us continue to support our favorite fighters and hope that they will make the best
