Shakur Stevenson Explains Why Canelo vs Benavidez May Never Happen
A potential showdown between boxing’s biggest superstar and one of its most dangerous contenders has fueled debate for years. Yet the long-rumored clash between Canelo Alvarez and David Benavidez remains elusive. According to lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson, the explanation may be simpler than the speculation suggests: size.
Speaking in a recent interview, Stevenson offered a candid breakdown of why the fight has stalled despite sustained fan demand. In his view, the physical gap between the two fighters—rather than promotional politics—may be the decisive factor.
A Size Mismatch Reshaping the Narrative
For much of the past decade, Alvarez has dominated the super-middleweight division. As the undisputed champion at 168 pounds, he built his reputation by defeating elite challengers and collecting all four major titles.
Benavidez, however, presented a unique threat. The Arizona native, a former two-time champion at the same weight, was widely considered the division’s most dangerous mandatory contender. His aggressive volume punching and natural size made him an uncomfortable stylistic matchup for the Mexican star.
Stevenson argued that the disparity in physical frame may explain why negotiations never turned into a confirmed bout.
“Benavidez is too big for Canelo,” Stevenson said. “I’m a fan of Benavidez, and I understand the perspective of wanting that fight. But I also see Canelo’s side. If someone walks around near 200 pounds regularly, that’s a huge difference.”
In elite boxing, where even a few pounds can influence stamina and durability, the gap between the fighters’ natural weights has become increasingly difficult to ignore.
Benavidez Moves Up While Canelo Holds Position
The career trajectories of both fighters have gradually widened that distance.
Benavidez has since moved up the scale and captured the WBC title at light heavyweight. His next challenge pushes the boundaries even further. The 29-year-old is scheduled to face Gilberto Ramirez on May 2 for the WBO and WBA cruiserweight championships.
If successful, Benavidez would become a three-division champion and confirm what many analysts already suspect: his frame is naturally suited to heavier divisions.
Alvarez, by contrast, has consistently returned to 168 pounds after brief ventures into other categories. The Mexican champion has built his legacy around dominance in that division, preferring opponents who operate within a similar physical range.
Criticism and Context Surrounding Canelo’s Opponents
During the period when the Benavidez fight appeared most likely, Alvarez instead defended his titles against other challengers. Victories over fighters such as John Ryder and Jermell Charlo drew criticism from segments of the boxing community who argued that Benavidez represented the division’s most compelling challenge.
Supporters of Alvarez counter that the champion has repeatedly faced elite opposition across multiple weight classes throughout his career.
Stevenson’s comments attempt to bridge that divide. Rather than framing the situation as avoidance, he suggested the issue may simply be a matter of practicality.
“When you’re dealing with someone who’s naturally much bigger, it’s a different risk equation,” Stevenson explained.
Saudi Arabia’s Influence on the Next Title Picture
While a Benavidez fight appears increasingly unlikely, Alvarez still has major opportunities ahead.
Saudi sports investor Turki Alalshikh has indicated that Alvarez will receive a world title opportunity in Riyadh later this year. Potential opponents include Christian Mbilli and Jose Armando Resendiz, current champions linked to the super-middleweight belt landscape.
The IBF and WBO titles at 168 pounds are currently vacant following the retirement of Terence Crawford from the division, creating a reshaped championship picture that could influence Alvarez’s next move.
A Fight That May Remain Hypothetical
Boxing history is filled with dream fights that never materialized. The Alvarez-Benavidez matchup increasingly appears destined for that category.
As both fighters continue climbing separate weight ladders, the physical and strategic gap between them grows wider. Stevenson’s assessment reflects a pragmatic view shared by many insiders: the fight might not happen not because it lacks demand, but because the fighters themselves are now operating in different physical realities.
For fans hoping to see the clash, the window may already be closing.
Key Takeaways
- Shakur Stevenson believes David Benavidez’s natural size advantage is the biggest obstacle to a fight with Canelo Alvarez.
- Benavidez has moved up to heavier divisions and will challenge Gilberto Ramirez for cruiserweight titles.
- Canelo Alvarez has continued defending his super-middleweight legacy at 168 pounds.
- Saudi Arabia is expected to host Alvarez’s next title opportunity later in 2026.
- The long-discussed matchup may never happen due to growing weight differences.