Tag: Jermall Charlo

Canelo Alvarez vs. Jaime Munguia set for May 4 in Las Vegas: reports

Canelo Alvarez vs. Jaime Munguia is set for May 4 in Las Vegas, according to reports.

Canelo Alvarez finally has his dance partner for May 4.

The undisputed 168-pound champion from Mexico will defend his titles against unbeaten countryman Jaime Munguia on Prime Video Pay-Per-View from Las Vegas, according to reports.

And he completed the deal with Premier Boxing Champions, the company from which he had split only days ago. That could mean a potential showdown with David Benavidez, a PBC fighter, is still in play for the fall.

No formal announcement has been made. And the site hasn’t been determined.

Alvarez’s pursuit of an opponent for Cinco de Mayo weekend seemed to be interminable.

He announced cryptically on social media a few weeks ago that he would fight an “American”, which most observers took to mean 160-pound beltholder Jermall Charlo. The two had been in talks for some time.

However, Alvarez (60-2-2, 39 KOs) and Charlo couldn’t come to terms. Alvarez then left PBC after the first fight in a three-fight deal, which some reports indicated stemmed from Alvarez’s refusal to commit to a fight with Benavidez in September.

That’s when Munguia (43-0, 34 KOs) became the leading candidate even though he’s not American.

Alvarez reportedly had been working with Matchroom Boxing in an attempt to nail down an opponent for May 4 – which is only two months away – but they evidently couldn’t get it done, which prompted Alvarez to return to PBC.

Munguia is a strapping 27-year-old from Tijuana, just south of the U.S. border. The former 154-pound titleholder is an improving boxer with a great deal of power, as his 34 stoppages indicate.

He’s coming off a brutal knockout of normally durable John Ryder on Jan. 27, when he put the Englishman down four times before knocking him out in the ninth round with new trainer Freddie Roach in his corner.

That followed a unanimous, but close decision over tough veteran Sergey Derevyanchenko last June, which was another significant accomplishment.

Of course, neither Ryder nor Derevyanchenko are in the class of Alvarez. That means we’ll learn exactly how good Munguia really is in this fight.

Alvarez is coming off his strongest performance in a few years, a near-shutout decision over Jermell Charlo (Jermall’s twin) last September. He had battled injuries in his previous few fights.

Meanwhile, Benavidez is expected to face Oleksandr Gvozdyk at 175 pounds in June, although no announcement has been made. Benavidez has said he will be able to come back down to 168 if necessary.

[lawrence-related id=40867,40842,40802,40773,40743,40515]

Canelo Alvarez vs. Jaime Munguia set for May 4 in Las Vegas: reports

Canelo Alvarez vs. Jaime Munguia is set for May 4 in Las Vegas, according to reports.

Canelo Alvarez finally has his dance partner for May 4.

The undisputed 168-pound champion from Mexico will defend his titles against unbeaten countryman Jaime Munguia on Prime Video Pay-Per-View from Las Vegas, according to reports.

And he completed the deal with Premier Boxing Champions, the company from which he had split only days ago. That could mean a potential showdown with David Benavidez, a PBC fighter, is still in play for the fall.

No formal announcement has been made. And the site hasn’t been determined.

Alvarez’s pursuit of an opponent for Cinco de Mayo weekend seemed to be interminable.

He announced cryptically on social media a few weeks ago that he would fight an “American”, which most observers took to mean 160-pound beltholder Jermall Charlo. The two had been in talks for some time.

However, Alvarez (60-2-2, 39 KOs) and Charlo couldn’t come to terms. Alvarez then left PBC after the first fight in a three-fight deal, which some reports indicated stemmed from Alvarez’s refusal to commit to a fight with Benavidez in September.

That’s when Munguia (43-0, 34 KOs) became the leading candidate even though he’s not American.

Alvarez reportedly had been working with Matchroom Boxing in an attempt to nail down an opponent for May 4 – which is only two months away – but they evidently couldn’t get it done, which prompted Alvarez to return to PBC.

Munguia is a strapping 27-year-old from Tijuana, just south of the U.S. border. The former 154-pound titleholder is an improving boxer with a great deal of power, as his 34 stoppages indicate.

He’s coming off a brutal knockout of normally durable John Ryder on Jan. 27, when he put the Englishman down four times before knocking him out in the ninth round with new trainer Freddie Roach in his corner.

That followed a unanimous, but close decision over tough veteran Sergey Derevyanchenko last June, which was another significant accomplishment.

Of course, neither Ryder nor Derevyanchenko are in the class of Alvarez. That means we’ll learn exactly how good Munguia really is in this fight.

Alvarez is coming off his strongest performance in a few years, a near-shutout decision over Jermell Charlo (Jermall’s twin) last September. He had battled injuries in his previous few fights.

Meanwhile, Benavidez is expected to face Oleksandr Gvozdyk at 175 pounds in June, although no announcement has been made. Benavidez has said he will be able to come back down to 168 if necessary.

[lawrence-related id=40867,40842,40802,40773,40743,40515]

David Benavidez’s promoter: Canelo Alvarez damaging legacy by avoiding top contender

David Benavidez’s promoter: Canelo Alvarez is damaging his legacy by avoiding the top contender.

David Benavidez’s handlers say undisputed 168-pound champion Canelo Alvarez is only hurting himself by avoiding the top contender.

WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman on Monday told Boxing Social that  Alvarez has been ordered to defend the WBC title against mandatory challenger Benavidez this year or he’ll risk losing the belt. Alvarez is free to fight anyone he wants on May 4, which presumably means Sulaiman is thinking September for the showdown.

However, Sampson Lewkowicz, Benavidez’s promoter, said that he doesn’t expect his client to face Alvarez at any time this year. He and Alvarez’s handlers evidently have not had serious negotiations.

“Canelo Alvarez will make his legacy and his legacy will be stained because he did not fight the best at this time, which is Benavidez,” Lewkowicz told ProBox TV. “I think the children, maybe the grandchildren one day, will ask him why he did not fight Benavidez because [Canelo] says he wants the best fights, but that’s the best fight.

“Now he says he’s going to fight an American [on May 4]. At one moment … it was [Jermall] Charlo. Now we don’t know who the American might be. We have an idea of who it might be, but since I’m not involved in those negotiations, I can’t say who it is because I don’t know. … I do know that Canelo’s legacy will be tarnished.”

Lewkowicz went on: “Now if he fights [Benavidez], it doesn’t matter if he wins or loses. The legacy of him is going to be the best for me in the history of Mexican boxing because he went to fight the best, like [Julio Cesar] Chavez did, like Juan Manuel Marquez did, like [Marco Antonio] Barrera did, like so many top boxers did that have achieved glory.”

Alvarez said last Tuesday that he plans to fight an American on Cinco de Mayo weekend in Las Vegas but provided no further information.

Charlo is rumored to be the leading candidate but the 160-pound titleholder has been cagey when making reference to Alvarez, first saying that he hasn’t talked to manager Al Haymon since he outpointed Jose Benavidez Jr. (David’s brother) in November and then saying “nothing is official,” which seems to imply that he’s Alvarez’s choice.

Alvarez ruled out a potential fight with 147-pound champion Terence Crawford because of the weight difference.

The only other viable potential opponent from the United States would seem to be unbeaten Edgar Berlanga. The unbeaten New Yorker, who is scheduled to fight Padraig McCrory on Saturday, hopes to face Alvarez in May but Alvarez hasn’t indicated he’s interested in the matchup.

An announcement should come soon: May 4 is only 2½ months away.

David Benavidez’s promoter: Canelo Alvarez damaging legacy by avoiding top contender

David Benavidez’s promoter: Canelo Alvarez is damaging his legacy by avoiding the top contender.

David Benavidez’s handlers say undisputed 168-pound champion Canelo Alvarez is only hurting himself by avoiding the top contender.

WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman on Monday told Boxing Social that  Alvarez has been ordered to defend the WBC title against mandatory challenger Benavidez this year or he’ll risk losing the belt. Alvarez is free to fight anyone he wants on May 4, which presumably means Sulaiman is thinking September for the showdown.

However, Sampson Lewkowicz, Benavidez’s promoter, said that he doesn’t expect his client to face Alvarez at any time this year. He and Alvarez’s handlers evidently have not had serious negotiations.

“Canelo Alvarez will make his legacy and his legacy will be stained because he did not fight the best at this time, which is Benavidez,” Lewkowicz told ProBox TV. “I think the children, maybe the grandchildren one day, will ask him why he did not fight Benavidez because [Canelo] says he wants the best fights, but that’s the best fight.

“Now he says he’s going to fight an American [on May 4]. At one moment … it was [Jermall] Charlo. Now we don’t know who the American might be. We have an idea of who it might be, but since I’m not involved in those negotiations, I can’t say who it is because I don’t know. … I do know that Canelo’s legacy will be tarnished.”

Lewkowicz went on: “Now if he fights [Benavidez], it doesn’t matter if he wins or loses. The legacy of him is going to be the best for me in the history of Mexican boxing because he went to fight the best, like [Julio Cesar] Chavez did, like Juan Manuel Marquez did, like [Marco Antonio] Barrera did, like so many top boxers did that have achieved glory.”

Alvarez said last Tuesday that he plans to fight an American on Cinco de Mayo weekend in Las Vegas but provided no further information.

Charlo is rumored to be the leading candidate but the 160-pound titleholder has been cagey when making reference to Alvarez, first saying that he hasn’t talked to manager Al Haymon since he outpointed Jose Benavidez Jr. (David’s brother) in November and then saying “nothing is official,” which seems to imply that he’s Alvarez’s choice.

Alvarez ruled out a potential fight with 147-pound champion Terence Crawford because of the weight difference.

The only other viable potential opponent from the United States would seem to be unbeaten Edgar Berlanga. The unbeaten New Yorker, who is scheduled to fight Padraig McCrory on Saturday, hopes to face Alvarez in May but Alvarez hasn’t indicated he’s interested in the matchup.

An announcement should come soon: May 4 is only 2½ months away.

Canelo Alvarez is smart to avoid a fight with Terence Crawford

Canelo Alvarez is smart to avoid a fight with the smaller — and more talented — Terence Crawford.

Canelo Alvarez made a wise move.

The undisputed 168-pound champion has dismissed talk of a meeting with 147-pound champ and pound-for-pound king Terence Crawford, who was rumored to be a potential opponent.

Alvarez was asked during an interview with Box Azteca whether Crawford was a viable option.

“No,” Canelo responded. “… I have everything to lose and nothing to gain because if I win, they’ll say, ‘Oh, he was too small, and everything.’”

He’s right. Alvarez was criticized when he fought respected 154-pound champ Jermell Charlo, who moved up two divisions for his one-sided decision loss in September.

Crawford would be moving up three weight classes, which many would perceive as a bridge too far even for a fighter of Crawford’s ability.

There’s no doubt that persistent critics would pounce on the day of the fight announcement and never let up, even long after the fact. “That’s it. They love it,” Alvarez said.

And what if he loses to Crawford?

First, a Crawford victory is a realistic possibility even though he would be the underdog. He’s a better all-around fighter than Alvarez. And, more often than not, the better fighter wins.

Alvarez’s size advantage would be significant, perhaps too significant for Crawford to overcome. No one would be surprised by an Alvarez victory.

I would probably pick Alvarez to win that fight but it’s only about a 55-45 fight in his advantage, in my estimation. That means it would essentially be a toss up.

The point is that great fighters like Crawford sometimes do great things. Consider what Ray Leonard did against Marvin Hagler in their 1987 super fight between two future Hall of Famers. “Sugar Ray” made history by outpointing his much bigger rival even though he was coming off a three-year layoff.

I don’t think Alvarez believes for a second that Crawford would defeat him. Boxers in general don’t think that way. At the same time, he knows the risk.

Yes, if he wins, he won’t receive the credit he might deserve. And if he loses, his legacy will have taken an enormous hit. A super middleweight losing to a welterweight? Disgraceful.

Again, Alvarez is smart to avoid Crawford.

Who will he fight on May 4? No announcement has been made, but it appears that 160-pound champion Jermall Charlo — Jermell’s twin brother — is the leading candidate.

Charlo also will be moving up in weight but only one division. And it seems clear that he’s naturally as big as Alvarez, who is a relatively small super middleweight.

Alvarez would still face criticism if he opts to fight Charlo — perhaps because he will not have chosen 168-pound contender David Benavidez, the fans’ choice for his next opponent — but it won’t be because of a prohibitive size advantage.

The Mexican star could live with that. He’s well aware that critics will always find something to complain about.

And he could also announce after the fight — assuming he wins — that Benavidez will be his next opponent. That also would be a smart move by a smart man.

[lawrence-related id=40743,39258,39237,39233,39198,39194]

Canelo Alvarez is smart to avoid a fight with Terence Crawford

Canelo Alvarez is smart to avoid a fight with the smaller — and more talented — Terence Crawford.

Canelo Alvarez made a wise move.

The undisputed 168-pound champion has dismissed talk of a meeting with 147-pound champ and pound-for-pound king Terence Crawford, who was rumored to be a potential opponent.

Alvarez was asked during an interview with Box Azteca whether Crawford was a viable option.

“No,” Canelo responded. “… I have everything to lose and nothing to gain because if I win, they’ll say, ‘Oh, he was too small, and everything.’”

He’s right. Alvarez was criticized when he fought respected 154-pound champ Jermell Charlo, who moved up two divisions for his one-sided decision loss in September.

Crawford would be moving up three weight classes, which many would perceive as a bridge too far even for a fighter of Crawford’s ability.

There’s no doubt that persistent critics would pounce on the day of the fight announcement and never let up, even long after the fact. “That’s it. They love it,” Alvarez said.

And what if he loses to Crawford?

First, a Crawford victory is a realistic possibility even though he would be the underdog. He’s a better all-around fighter than Alvarez. And, more often than not, the better fighter wins.

Alvarez’s size advantage would be significant, perhaps too significant for Crawford to overcome. No one would be surprised by an Alvarez victory.

I would probably pick Alvarez to win that fight but it’s only about a 55-45 fight in his advantage, in my estimation. That means it would essentially be a toss up.

The point is that great fighters like Crawford sometimes do great things. Consider what Ray Leonard did against Marvin Hagler in their 1987 super fight between two future Hall of Famers. “Sugar Ray” made history by outpointing his much bigger rival even though he was coming off a three-year layoff.

I don’t think Alvarez believes for a second that Crawford would defeat him. Boxers in general don’t think that way. At the same time, he knows the risk.

Yes, if he wins, he won’t receive the credit he might deserve. And if he loses, his legacy will have taken an enormous hit. A super middleweight losing to a welterweight? Disgraceful.

Again, Alvarez is smart to avoid Crawford.

Who will he fight on May 4? No announcement has been made, but it appears that 160-pound champion Jermall Charlo — Jermell’s twin brother — is the leading candidate.

Charlo also will be moving up in weight but only one division. And it seems clear that he’s naturally as big as Alvarez, who is a relatively small super middleweight.

Alvarez would still face criticism if he opts to fight Charlo — perhaps because he will not have chosen 168-pound contender David Benavidez, the fans’ choice for his next opponent — but it won’t be because of a prohibitive size advantage.

The Mexican star could live with that. He’s well aware that critics will always find something to complain about.

And he could also announce after the fight — assuming he wins — that Benavidez will be his next opponent. That also would be a smart move by a smart man.

[lawrence-related id=40743,39258,39237,39233,39198,39194]

Canelo Alvarez announces he’ll fight American on May 4, but who?

Canelo Alvarez on Tuesday announced that he’ll fight an American on May 4, but he didn’t reveal who it is?

Who is Canelo Alvarez going to fight on May 4? You can keep guessing, although now you have a clue.

Alvarez confirmed Tuesday on TV Azteca that he will return to the ring on Cinco de Mayo weekend, when he has typically fought. He didn’t reveal his opponent, saying only that he will be fighting an American.

That could mean that he’ll defend his undisputed 168-pound championship against 160-pound beltholder Jermall Charlo, who reportedly has been the leading candidate for some time.

It could also mean that 168-pound contender David Benavidez — the opponent most fans seem to be backing — or 147-pound champ Terence Crawford remain in the running to win boxing’s version of the lottery, although they appear to be longshots.

Alvarez hasn’t shown much interest in facing Benavidez, who many believe is his most significant threat in the division. And it seems unlikely that Crawford, who is No. 1 pound-for-pound, will move up three divisions to face one of the best fighters of the era.

Jermell Charlo, Jermall’s twin brother, jumped two divisions to face Alvarez and was overmatched in a unanimous-decision loss in September.

Alvarez and all three of the aforementioned potential opponents work with the managerial company Premier Boxing Champions, which limits obstacles in negotiations.

Alvarez’s comments also evidently mean that fellow Mexican Jaime Munguia, another top 168-pound contender, is out as a potential opponent for now.

Jermall Charlo (33-0, 22 KOs) returned from a 2½-year layoff on Nov. 25, when he defeated Jose Benavidez Jr. by a one-sided decision in Las Vegas.

[lawrence-related id=39258,39244,39237,39233,39227,39198,39194,39842,39747]

Canelo Alvarez announces he’ll fight American on May 4, but who?

Canelo Alvarez on Tuesday announced that he’ll fight an American on May 4, but he didn’t reveal who it is?

Who is Canelo Alvarez going to fight on May 4? You can keep guessing, although now you have a clue.

Alvarez confirmed Tuesday on TV Azteca that he will return to the ring on Cinco de Mayo weekend, when he has typically fought. He didn’t reveal his opponent, saying only that he will be fighting an American.

That could mean that he’ll defend his undisputed 168-pound championship against 160-pound beltholder Jermall Charlo, who reportedly has been the leading candidate for some time.

It could also mean that 168-pound contender David Benavidez — the opponent most fans seem to be backing — or 147-pound champ Terence Crawford remain in the running to win boxing’s version of the lottery, although they appear to be longshots.

Alvarez hasn’t shown much interest in facing Benavidez, who many believe is his most significant threat in the division. And it seems unlikely that Crawford, who is No. 1 pound-for-pound, will move up three divisions to face one of the best fighters of the era.

Jermell Charlo, Jermall’s twin brother, jumped two divisions to face Alvarez and was overmatched in a unanimous-decision loss in September.

Alvarez and all three of the aforementioned potential opponents work with the managerial company Premier Boxing Champions, which limits obstacles in negotiations.

Alvarez’s comments also evidently mean that fellow Mexican Jaime Munguia, another top 168-pound contender, is out as a potential opponent for now.

Jermall Charlo (33-0, 22 KOs) returned from a 2½-year layoff on Nov. 25, when he defeated Jose Benavidez Jr. by a one-sided decision in Las Vegas.

[lawrence-related id=39258,39244,39237,39233,39227,39198,39194,39842,39747]

What’s next for David Benavidez? Here are five compelling possibilities

What’s next for David Benavidez? Here are five compelling potential opponents for the rising star.

With success comes attractive options.

Rising star David Benavidez took another significant step in his career on Saturday in Las Vegas, where the bruising 168-pound contender beat up and knocked out previously unbeaten former two-division titleholder Demetrius Andrade after six rounds.

What’s next for “The Mexican Monster?”

We know the opponent that Benavidez (28-0, 24 KOs) wants most, but, if that fight doesn’t happen, there are other compelling potential foils at 160, 168 and even 175 pounds for one of the hottest fighters in the world.

Here are five possibilities (in order of desirability).

CANELO ALVAREZ (60-2-2, 39 KOs)

This is the fight. Benavidez’s six-round evisceration of Demetrius Andrade removed any remaining doubt that he’s the biggest threat to Alvarez at 168 pounds and below. Benavidez wants the fight, the fans want the fight, everyone wants the fight. Now it’s up to Alvarez. He has never run from a challenge, although he has been focused more on collecting belts than facing the best possible foes the past several years. He’s 100 percent healthy now, as he demonstrated in a strong performance against Jermell Charlo on Sept. 30. He looked better in that fight than he has in years, a blow to those who have suggested he’s in decline. Canelo, stop collecting belts and fighting smaller men. Face your biggest potential challenge south of 175, Benavidez, who also happens to be your WBC mandatory challenger. Benavidez vs. Alvarez could be the best possible fight in the sport right now.

JERMALL CHARLO (33-0, 22 KOs)

Benavidez might not want to fight two naturally smaller men back to back but Charlo could be a legitimate threat. The 160-pound titleholder bounced back from a 2½-year layoff by easily outpointing courageous, but relatively diminutive Jose Benavidez Jr. on the David Benavidez-Andrade card, showing no obvious ring rust. And he looked comfortable at his weight for the fight, 166.4 pounds, 3.4 over he agreed-upon weight and only 1.6 below the super middleweight limit. It wouldn’t be a stretch for Charlo to fight Benavidez at 168. Charlo’s twin brother has accomplished more than he has but he also is one of the best in the business. He’s skillful (his jab is beautiful), athletic and experienced. And he has a following, which always makes prospective opponents attractive. I think Benavidez would like this matchup. So would the fans.

DAVID MORRELL (9-0, 8 KOs)

Morrell probably is a longshot to land a fight with Benavidez because he doesn’t have a significant following but it would be an intriguing matchup. The former youth amateur star from Cuba, now a resident of Minneapolis, has had only nine pro fights and hasn’t faced a top-tier opponent. Thus, we can’t be certain about his ability. However, he checks all the boxes in terms of the eye test against solid opponents: his skill set, his power, his poise and his ring generalship. He appears to be the complete package, one that might be able to give Benavidez problems. The guess here is that Morrell will have to continue to build his reputation by knocking out progressively better opponents but his time will come. He’s 25, only a year younger than Benavidez. This could be a compelling rivalry in the years to come.

JAIME MUNGUIA (42-0, 33 KOs)

Benavidez has expressed interest in facing Munguia. And for good reason: The former 154-pound champ from Mexico wouldn’t be difficult to find. Munguia, 27, has a similar seek-and-destroy style to that of Benavidez and heavy hands, which accounts for his 33 knockouts. He will come to Benavidez. No holding, no dancing and certainly no running. Just mano a mano. Could Benavidez ask for a better style matchup? Could the fans? Size could be a problem for Munguia, though. He made his debut as a full-fledged 168-pounder in June, when he struggled to beat veteran Sergey Derevyanchenko by a unanimous decision. Like Andrade, he evidently is still growing into the division. That disadvantage could lead to unpleasant fate if he were to meet Benavidez any time soon. Still, this matchup of two sluggers in their primes is appealing to say the least.

DMITRY BIVOL (21-0, 11 KOs)

Benavidez hasn’t indicated that he wants to move up to 175 pounds immediately but a fascinating – and dangerous – option can be found there. Alvarez learned the hard way how good Bivol is when he challenged the Russian titleholder in May of last year, losing a clear decision. Indeed, moving up in weight to face a fighter as skillful as Bivol can be suicide. Would Benavidez fare any better than Alvarez? Well, he’s taller and naturally heavier than Alvarez. That would help. And he might have a better style for Bivol. Slick boxers sometimes have trouble with pressure fighters who don’t allow them room to operate, the tactic Benavidez uses against his opponents. Still, it would be a very difficult fight for Benavidez. And that might be one reason he would take it. He believes he’s destined to be remembered as a great fighter. Great fighters take great risks.

[lawrence-related id=39928,39911,39880,39876]

What’s next for David Benavidez? Here are five compelling possibilities

What’s next for David Benavidez? Here are five compelling potential opponents for the rising star.

With success comes attractive options.

Rising star David Benavidez took another significant step in his career on Saturday in Las Vegas, where the bruising 168-pound contender beat up and knocked out previously unbeaten former two-division titleholder Demetrius Andrade after six rounds.

What’s next for “The Mexican Monster?”

We know the opponent that Benavidez (28-0, 24 KOs) wants most, but, if that fight doesn’t happen, there are other compelling potential foils at 160, 168 and even 175 pounds for one of the hottest fighters in the world.

Here are five possibilities (in order of desirability).

CANELO ALVAREZ (60-2-2, 39 KOs)

This is the fight. Benavidez’s six-round evisceration of Demetrius Andrade removed any remaining doubt that he’s the biggest threat to Alvarez at 168 pounds and below. Benavidez wants the fight, the fans want the fight, everyone wants the fight. Now it’s up to Alvarez. He has never run from a challenge, although he has been focused more on collecting belts than facing the best possible foes the past several years. He’s 100 percent healthy now, as he demonstrated in a strong performance against Jermell Charlo on Sept. 30. He looked better in that fight than he has in years, a blow to those who have suggested he’s in decline. Canelo, stop collecting belts and fighting smaller men. Face your biggest potential challenge south of 175, Benavidez, who also happens to be your WBC mandatory challenger. Benavidez vs. Alvarez could be the best possible fight in the sport right now.

JERMALL CHARLO (33-0, 22 KOs)

Benavidez might not want to fight two naturally smaller men back to back but Charlo could be a legitimate threat. The 160-pound titleholder bounced back from a 2½-year layoff by easily outpointing courageous, but relatively diminutive Jose Benavidez Jr. on the David Benavidez-Andrade card, showing no obvious ring rust. And he looked comfortable at his weight for the fight, 166.4 pounds, 3.4 over he agreed-upon weight and only 1.6 below the super middleweight limit. It wouldn’t be a stretch for Charlo to fight Benavidez at 168. Charlo’s twin brother has accomplished more than he has but he also is one of the best in the business. He’s skillful (his jab is beautiful), athletic and experienced. And he has a following, which always makes prospective opponents attractive. I think Benavidez would like this matchup. So would the fans.

DAVID MORRELL (9-0, 8 KOs)

Morrell probably is a longshot to land a fight with Benavidez because he doesn’t have a significant following but it would be an intriguing matchup. The former youth amateur star from Cuba, now a resident of Minneapolis, has had only nine pro fights and hasn’t faced a top-tier opponent. Thus, we can’t be certain about his ability. However, he checks all the boxes in terms of the eye test against solid opponents: his skill set, his power, his poise and his ring generalship. He appears to be the complete package, one that might be able to give Benavidez problems. The guess here is that Morrell will have to continue to build his reputation by knocking out progressively better opponents but his time will come. He’s 25, only a year younger than Benavidez. This could be a compelling rivalry in the years to come.

JAIME MUNGUIA (42-0, 33 KOs)

Benavidez has expressed interest in facing Munguia. And for good reason: The former 154-pound champ from Mexico wouldn’t be difficult to find. Munguia, 27, has a similar seek-and-destroy style to that of Benavidez and heavy hands, which accounts for his 33 knockouts. He will come to Benavidez. No holding, no dancing and certainly no running. Just mano a mano. Could Benavidez ask for a better style matchup? Could the fans? Size could be a problem for Munguia, though. He made his debut as a full-fledged 168-pounder in June, when he struggled to beat veteran Sergey Derevyanchenko by a unanimous decision. Like Andrade, he evidently is still growing into the division. That disadvantage could lead to unpleasant fate if he were to meet Benavidez any time soon. Still, this matchup of two sluggers in their primes is appealing to say the least.

DMITRY BIVOL (21-0, 11 KOs)

Benavidez hasn’t indicated that he wants to move up to 175 pounds immediately but a fascinating – and dangerous – option can be found there. Alvarez learned the hard way how good Bivol is when he challenged the Russian titleholder in May of last year, losing a clear decision. Indeed, moving up in weight to face a fighter as skillful as Bivol can be suicide. Would Benavidez fare any better than Alvarez? Well, he’s taller and naturally heavier than Alvarez. That would help. And he might have a better style for Bivol. Slick boxers sometimes have trouble with pressure fighters who don’t allow them room to operate, the tactic Benavidez uses against his opponents. Still, it would be a very difficult fight for Benavidez. And that might be one reason he would take it. He believes he’s destined to be remembered as a great fighter. Great fighters take great risks.

[lawrence-related id=39928,39911,39880,39876]