Photo Credit: AP
The much-anticipated showdown between Saul "Canelo" Alvarez and David Benavidez is expected to take place in 2024.
Although the Mexican could have faced the American this year, he declined the bout, citing Benavidez's penchant for verbal provocations as an inappropriate approach to securing a fight.
Mexican boxing legend Julio Cesar Chavez defended Canelo's decision, asserting that it wasn't rooted in fear but rather a recognition that the conflict between the two fighters was inevitable.
"He is the challenger, sooner or later they will face each other," Chavez noted.
"I don't think Canelo Álvarez is afraid because no fighter is afraid of another opponent".
Fight validated by WBC
The World Boxing Council (WBC) validated Benavidez as the official challenger for Canelo during the 61st WBC Annual Convention, setting the stage for a potential bout in May or September 2024.
However, whether they fight will take place will depend on the outcome of Benavidez's upcoming match against Demetrius Andrade on November 25 in Las Vegas.
