Boxing star Claressa Shields, never one to hold back her opinions, has weighed in on one of the sport’s hottest topics: a potential showdown between Canelo Alvarez and David Benavidez. Shields, the self-proclaimed GWOAT (Greatest Woman of All Time), recently criticized Canelo’s decision to fight Edgar Berlanga, a match some viewed as less challenging. Shields believes that if Canelo could take on Berlanga, there’s no reason for him to avoid Benavidez, a fighter who has been calling for a fight against the Mexican champion for years.
In an interview following Canelo’s dominant performance against Berlanga, Shields was candid about her thoughts on the fight. “Look, Canelo is great, no doubt about it,” she said. “But Berlanga was not a real challenge for him. If he can fight Berlanga, he can fight David Benavidez. That’s the fight people want to see, and it’s the one that would really test him.”
Shields’ comments reflect the growing sentiment among boxing fans and analysts who have been calling for a Canelo vs. Benavidez matchup. Benavidez, an unbeaten super middleweight with a reputation for his relentless pressure and heavy hands, has been viewed as one of the most dangerous potential opponents for Canelo. Despite this, Canelo has yet to agree to the fight, prompting speculation about whether he is avoiding the challenge.
David Benavidez, often referred to as “The Mexican Monster,” has built a reputation as one of the most feared fighters in the super middleweight division. With an undefeated record and a style that combines power, aggression, and volume punching, Benavidez has long been seen as the biggest threat to Canelo’s reign. Fans have been clamoring for a fight between the two, believing that Benavidez’s physicality and relentless pressure would pose a serious challenge to the pound-for-pound king.
Shields echoed this sentiment, pointing out that Benavidez has earned his shot at the champion. “Benavidez is the real deal,” she said. “He’s got the size, the power, and the hunger to really push Canelo. That’s the fight that’s going to show us how great Canelo really is. Fighting Berlanga is one thing, but if Canelo wants to prove he’s still the best, he needs to put Benavidez in his place.”
Canelo Alvarez has faced criticism in recent years for his choice of opponents, with some fans and analysts questioning whether he is avoiding the most dangerous challengers in his division. While Canelo’s resume is filled with big names and impressive victories, his decision to fight Edgar Berlanga—a fighter many consider to be still developing—left some fans underwhelmed.
Shields was among those who felt that Canelo’s fight against Berlanga was not the most competitive option. “I’m not saying Berlanga isn’t a good fighter, but he’s not on Canelo’s level yet,” Shields explained. “Canelo has been at the top for a long time, and people want to see him in there with someone who can really push him. That’s what Benavidez brings to the table.”
The calls for a Canelo-Benavidez fight have only grown louder, with many believing that the bout would be a true test for both fighters. Benavidez, with his youth, size, and aggressive style, is viewed by many as the biggest threat to Canelo’s dominance at 168 pounds. A victory over Benavidez would cement Canelo’s legacy, while a loss could signal the passing of the torch to the next generation of boxing stars.
Claressa Shields, who has dominated women’s boxing and earned multiple world titles across multiple weight divisions, is one of the sport’s most vocal and respected figures. Her opinions carry weight, not just because of her achievements inside the ring, but also because of her passion and commitment to pushing the sport forward.
Shields has never shied away from speaking her mind on issues within boxing, from gender equality to fighters avoiding tough matchups. In calling for a Canelo vs. Benavidez fight, she is adding her voice to a chorus of fans and pundits who believe that boxing’s biggest stars should be taking on the toughest challenges available.
“Canelo’s legacy is already set,” Shields said. “But the greats always want to prove themselves. I respect him, but I think fighting Benavidez would show everyone why he’s one of the best to ever do it. That’s the fight we need.”
As the debate over Canelo’s next opponent rages on, one thing is clear: the pressure for a fight with David Benavidez is mounting. With influential figures like Claressa Shields joining the conversation, the demand for this high-stakes bout is only growing stronger.
Whether or not Canelo will agree to face Benavidez remains to be seen. In the meantime, boxing fans are left to speculate on what could be one of the most thrilling matchups in the sport. For Claressa Shields and many others, the message is simple: if Canelo can fight Berlanga, he can—and should—fight Benavidez.
