Danny Jacobs believes Saul "Canelo" Alvarez is avoiding a showdown with David Benavidez. The two-time middleweight champion, who lost to Canelo in 2019, thinks Alvarez is doing everything he can to steer clear of Benavidez, given Benavidez's formidable qualities. Jacobs aligns with Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Andre Ward, and Paulie Malignaggi in criticizing Canelo for dodging what many consider the most significant fight at 168 pounds today.
Discussing the potential Canelo-Benavidez bout, Jacobs, who is returning to the ring against Shane Mosley Jr. after a two-year hiatus, stated that while he doesn't want to dictate Canelo's opponents, he feels it's time for the Mexican superstar to step up. "I do think he is ducking him [Benavidez]. He looks at the pros and cons, and you look at what Benavidez has over Canelo—speed, power, athleticism. In his mind, Benavidez is beating him, and he probably knows that as well."
Jacobs, ever the sportsman, wished both fighters luck and acknowledged Canelo's Hall of Fame status. He emphasized that while Canelo would likely be the favorite, the outcome should be decided by the best fighter on the night. "I wish every fighter the best of luck. May the best fighter win," he added.
Canelo, a unified 168-pound champion, has held all four super middleweight titles since his TKO victory over Caleb Plant in November 2021. Throughout his career, he's faced legends like Mayweather, Gennadiy Golovkin, and Dmitrii Bivol. However, he has yet to confront the undefeated Benavidez, which has drawn criticism. Recently, Canelo chose to defend his titles against Jaime Munguia instead of Benavidez, prompting Benavidez to move up to 175 pounds to fight Oleksandr Gvozdyk for a WBC interim light heavyweight title.
When asked about Canelo potentially fighting Edgar Berlanga or Chris Eubank Jr., Jacobs refrained from making predictions, simply wishing "may the best fighter win." He also expressed his willingness to fight Benavidez if the opportunity arises, stating, "I’ve never ducked anybody. I will fight anyone if it makes sense. I know he is not a super middleweight now, so I don’t think I can move to 175 pounds."
Image Credit: Sky Sports