Boxing expert Paulie Malignaggi has raised concerns about unified super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez’s tendency to avoid top contenders and opt for easier opponents. The recent decisions made by Canelo have resulted in talented fighters like David Benavidez and David Morrell feeling overlooked and deciding to leave the super middleweight division altogether. Instead of facing the best in the division, Canelo has been facing fighters with less challenging resumes such as Edgar Berlanga, Jaime Munguia, John Ryder, and Caleb Plant.
One of the major issues highlighted by Malignaggi is the lack of pressure from sanctioning bodies to enforce Canelo to face his mandatory challengers. This lack of accountability has allowed Canelo to continue avoiding tougher opponents without facing any repercussions. Additionally, the media’s calls for Canelo to step up and face stronger competition have been met with disregard, as Canelo’s popularity seems to shield him from criticism.
Malignaggi points out that Canelo’s immense popularity in the boxing world has given him a sense of immunity to criticism. Despite not being considered the best in his weight class by many, Canelo continues to enjoy the support of his loyal fan base, who are willing to pay top dollar to watch him face inferior competition. This trend of prioritizing popularity over skill is a concerning development in the sport, as it allows fighters like Canelo to maintain their status without necessarily proving themselves against top-tier opponents.
Malignaggi draws attention to the double standard that exists in boxing, where less popular fighters are required to face tough opponents in order to increase their popularity and earn significant purses. On the other hand, fighters like Canelo can coast on their popularity and face lesser competition without risking their reputation or drawing the ire of fans. This disparity in expectations highlights the political control that comes with being a highly popular fighter, regardless of actual skill level.
Despite the criticism surrounding his opponent selection, Canelo has continued to defend his choices, citing personal reasons for his approach. Malignaggi acknowledges that from a sporting perspective, there may be nothing inherently wrong with Canelo’s strategy. However, the concern arises from the impact it may have on the overall competitiveness and integrity of the sport. The ability to maintain a high level of popularity while avoiding top challengers raises questions about the true merit of Canelo’s status as a dominant force in the sport.
The controversy surrounding Canelo Alvarez’s opponent selection highlights a broader issue within the boxing world. The prioritization of popularity over skill, the lack of accountability from sanctioning bodies, and the double standard applied to fighters based on their level of fame all contribute to a complex dilemma. As fans and experts continue to debate the merits of Canelo’s approach, it remains to be seen whether the unified super middleweight champion will eventually face the pressure to take on more challenging opponents and prove his status as the best in his division.