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“He’s scared”: Canelo called out to ‘give the fans the fight they des

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Canelo Alvarez

“He’s scared”: Canelo called out to ‘give the fans the fight they deserve’ before retirement

Despite all of his accolades, Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez has been accused of running “scared” and denying boxing fans the fight they “deserve”.

Having become a four-weight world champion, the 35-year-old has already cemented his legacy as a future Hall of Famer and one of the greatest Mexican fighters in history.

Canelo called out to ‘give the fans the fight they deserve’ before retirement: “He’s scared”

Even at this late stage in his career, though, there remains a desire to compete at the highest level and seek further challenges.

This much was evident during his showdown with Terence Crawford last September, when Canelo lost a unanimous decision but nonetheless showed glimpses of world-class flair.

He now appears determined to reclaim a portion of his undisputed super-middleweight crown on September 12, when he is set to enter a world title fight in Saudi Arabia.

Among the names being mentioned for such an occasion is Christian Mbilli, who was elevated from ‘interim’ to full WBC super-middleweight champion following Crawford’s retirement.

But while Mbilli represents a solid opponent, many will find it difficult to forget Canelo’s lack of enthusiasm for a clash with David Benavidez.

While the current WBC light-heavyweight champion was still campaigning at 168lbs, he repeatedly called for a shot at the Mexican but was never presented with such an opportunity.

For that reason, Benavidez struggles to see their fight ever materialising, telling Come And Talk 2 Me that he believes Canelo has actively avoided him.

“He’s scared – he has no balls. That’s what it is. I give Canelo all the respect – he’s done everything he’s done – but, at the end of the day, I was the No.1 contender in two weight classes for a long, long time.

“He has shown that he doesn’t want to fight me. It’s really a shame because this is a fight everybody wants to see. This is a fight that the fans deserve.

“I believe in myself and my skills 100%, so I feel like, if he says he’s the baddest man on the planet… why not give the fans what they want to see?”

Given that Benavidez’s next outing will see him challenge unified cruiserweight champion Gilberto Ramirez on May 2, it is becoming increasingly less likely that he will ever collide with Canelo, though a promise to return to light-heavyweight, given Canelo has competed in that division twice before, leaves fans some hope.

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Why Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder Down to Last Chance Be

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Anthony Joshua Deontay Wilder

Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder Down to Last Chance Before It’s Over

Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder is down to its final window — because this fight has already slipped away twice, and there won’t be another chance if it goes again.

For years, the heavyweight division circled this matchup as inevitable. Four belts, two champions, and a clear path to undisputed. It was there, and it remains there now but without the titles.

Wilder Joshua last chance

JUST IN: “He’s on the list”: Deontay Wilder could land shock world title fight t

It was already there once
The first collapse still defines everything that followed.

In 2018, a $50 million offer was made in writing for Joshua to face Wilder in the United States after that figure had been publicly requested.

Wilder then accepted terms to fight at Wembley for significantly less, removing location and financial obstacles in one move. Paperwork was exchanged, and clarifications were requested, but no response followed.

Instead, the focus turned toward a mandatory defense, and the undisputed fight moved out of reach despite being within touching distance. The WBA exception that could have cleared the way was never requested, leaving one of the biggest fights of the era unresolved.

During a later round of talks, Wilder turned down a DAZN offer that included Joshua in a mega-money deal.

The second chance ended the same way
Years later, the fight resurfaced.

Contracts were signed for December 2023, with Joshua and Wilder placed on the same card in Saudi Arabia, both expected to win and finally meet.

Joseph Parker’s win over Wilder ended that plan in a single night. What had been rebuilt over time unraveled in twelve rounds, and the fight fell out of reach again before it could happen.

They agreed to face each other, and still never shared a ring as the most significant missed opportunity collapsed in a heap.

Now it’s not about blame
Both men now find themselves in an unusual position. They are coming off wins, which hasn’t often been the case over the last five years as defeats repeatedly knocked the fight off course just as momentum began to build.

This time, the opportunity is cleaner. No belts are on the line. No undisputed stakes remain. The fight no longer carries the same weight it once did, but it still carries enough.

Tyson Fury is waiting in the wings for Joshua if he wins, offering an alternative that didn’t always exist. Letting that wait for a few months is one thing. Letting Wilder drift out of range again is another.

Wilder is approaching 41, and the margin for delay is almost gone.

One last window
After eight years of waiting, promoters on both sides cannot afford to miss this final opportunity.

This is the final window for Joshua vs Wilder — the last chance saloon.

The fight got away when the undisputed opportunity was there. It slipped again when the Saudi plan fell apart.

It’s still there now, but not for much longer. One more delay, and this stops being unfinished business and becomes something else entirely.

What was once the biggest fight in the heavyweight division is no longer about titles, leverage, or timing.

It comes down to whether it finally happens before the chance is gone for good. Let’s get it on – finally.

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“He’s on the list”: Deontay Wilder could land shock world title fight t

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Deontay Wilder

“He’s on the list”: Deontay Wilder could land shock world title fight this year

Deontay Wilder could soon be presented with a world title opportunity, but only if the relevant champion retains his belt.

The 40-year-old comes off a split decision victory over Derek Chisora, with whom he engaged in a chaotic 12-round battle at London’s O2 Arena earlier this month.

Deontay Wilder could land shock world title fight this year: “He’s on the list”

Two knockdowns proved decisive as he triumphed over his fellow veteran, who has since made a U-turn on his retirement promise and demanded a rematch.

Whether their second encounter comes to fruition, it remains to be seen, but Wilder is nonetheless likely to remain in the sport for a little while longer.

In fact, ‘The Bronze Bomber’ could potentially be awarded the opportunity to become a two-time world champion, entering his first title fight since suffering an 11th-round stoppage defeat to Tyson Fury in 2021.

This, however, hinges on a number of factors, including the outcome of Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois, which takes place at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena on May 9.

Should he emerge victorious against Dubois, which is no foregone conclusion, then Wardley would be open to defending his WBO world title against Wilder.

At the same time, though, the 31-year-old has told Fight Hub TV that he would only be interested in facing the American if a potential undisputed showdown with Oleksandr Usyk fails to materialise.

“Of course I would definitely entertain a Deontay Wilder fight. Priority number one is Daniel Dubois, come through that fight and get rid of him then it would be Oleksandr Usyk, that would be my aim but if that fight doesn’t materialise or just isn’t doable, then yeah, third on the list would be Deontay Wilder.”

It remains to be seen whether Usyk, who still holds the WBC, IBF and WBA titles, will entertain a unification fight with the Wardley-Dubois winner after he takes on Rico Verhoeven on May 23.

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BOXING

Why Deontay Wilder Was Told He Won’t Face Man That He Wa

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Deontay Wilder

Deontay Wilder Told He Won’t Face Man That He Wanted Next

Deontay Wilder has been dealt a major blow just days after he called out a long-term rival for a future showdown.

‘The Bronze Bomber’ returned to the ring for the 50th time as a professional on April 11 when he faced British veteran Derek Chisora at the O2 Arena in London.

Wilder was declared the winner via split decision after what was a messy 12-round non title clash against Chisora. Just moments after he was declared the winner, Wilder had a confrontation with long-term rival Anthony Joshua, who has been on the radar of the hard-hitting American for quite some time.

Deontay Wilder Told He Won’t Face Man That He Wanted Next

JUST IN: Terence Crawford names the world champion he tried to fight befo

The 40-year-old from Alabama publicly declared his interest in facing Joshua next, but it appears that the former WBC world heavyweight champion will not get his wish in a frustrating turn of events.

In an interview with talkSPORT, promoter Eddie Hearn revealed that a clash with Wilder is not actually on the horizon for Joshua, who looks set to sign a two-fight deal with Riyadh Season.

“At the moment, the work that he’s put in to even get himself to this position, it’s been so admirable, it’s been incredible and he’s ready and he’s motivated, but we’ve got to do it right.

“The deal that we’ve been offered, which is to fight in July and then fight Tyson Fury in November, it’s not with Deontay Wilder in mind. I think the powers that be don’t really want us to be in that type of fight.”

Two-time world heavyweight champion Joshua was last in action back in December when he knocked out Jake Paul in the sixth round of their bout at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida.

‘AJ’ was involved in a tragic car accident just days later which took the lives of two of his closest friends, but the 36-year-old from Watford has since made a return to the gym and will be back in the ring this summer ahead of a huge domestic match-up with Tyson Fury.

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BOXING

Terence Crawford names the world champion he tried to fight befo

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Terence Crawford

Terence Crawford names the world champion he tried to fight before Canelo

Terence Crawford hung up the gloves after a career-best triumph over Canelo Alvarez, but there is one man that ‘Bud’ has now revealed that he was targeting before the opportunity to face the Mexican superstar arose.

Crawford became the undisputed welterweight world champion when he knocked out Errol Spence Jr in July 2023, six years after he completed that same feat down at super-lightweight.

The Omaha-born operator then opted to move up to the super-welterweight division and dethroned Israil Madrimov upon his 154lb debut to claim the WBA title.

Terence Crawford names the world champion he tried to fight before Canelo

JUST IN: How Anthony Joshua ‘tragedy’ set up shock Oleksandr Usyk vs Ric

However, rather than remaining at super-welterweight and seeking fights with his fellow champions, Crawford instead became the second three-division undisputed champion in boxing history by moving up two further weight classes and trumping Canelo.

On X, Crawford was asked whether he would consider coming back and taking on reigning WBC super-welterweight champion, Sebastian Fundora. In response, he revealed that he had planned on facing Fundora back when he was the unified 154lb champion, but that he was told he was not a ‘big enough star’.

“I was trying to fight him but they said I wasn’t a big enough star.”

The fight was ordered by the WBO as a mandatory/unification bout at 154lbs since Crawford had also won the interim belt when he beat Madrimov, but it ultimately fell through.

At present, despite campaigning at super-welterweight, six weight divisions below heavyweight (including bridgerweight), 6’5” Fundora is the tallest world champion in boxing and is therefore one of the most unorthodox active fighters in the sport.

Crawford has previously stated his belief that Fundora is the top dog in the super-welterweight division and that rival Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis would come up short if tasked with the appropriately nicknamed, ‘Towering Inferno’.

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How Anthony Joshua ‘tragedy’ set up shock Oleksandr Usyk vs Ric

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Anthony Joshua Oleksandr Usyk Rico Verhoeven

How Anthony Joshua ‘tragedy’ set up shock Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven fight

Rico Verhoeven has opened up on how the “tragedy” of Anthony Joshua’s car crash set up his unexpected title shot against Oleksandr Usyk.

Late last year, kickboxing icon Verhoeven was linked to a 2026 boxing match with Joshua, but 10 days after “AJ” knocked out YouTuber Jake Paul, the Briton was injured in a fatal car crash.

That accident in Nigeria claimed the lives of two of Joshua’s teammates, leaving the former world heavyweight champion’s boxing future up in the air. And while Joshua has since returned to the gym, it wasn’t long before Verhoeven agreed to a different fight.

Rico Verhoeven is an icon of modern kickboxing

READ: “A lot went wrong”: Canelo reflects on the reasons behind his loss to Terence Crawford

That fight, remarkably, will take place at the pyramids of Giza on 23 May, as the Dutchman challenges Usyk for the WBC heavyweight title.

Tuesday brought a press conference between Usyk, 39, and Verhoeven, 36, in London, where the latter spoke to The Independent and other publications.

“The [Joshua] fight was… it was gonna happen,” Verhoeven insisted. “The fight was there, only the tragic accident happened, so that’s what derailed everything.

“And logically, yeah, AJ needed some time to just resettle, get back to himself, and that was that.

“We didn’t have like… a straight new opponent, so from there on, we talked about with the team: ‘Who’s out there? ‘I said: ‘What about Usyk? Like, that makes sense. Undisputed [in kickboxing] versus undisputed [in boxing].’ So, that’s what happened.

“Why do I deserve it? I don’t think it’s up to me to think if I deserve something. I think for me, I put it out there, like: ‘How cool would it be if those two worlds collide?’ The promoter was like, ‘That’s a great idea. We love that.’ And then they put the belt up for the fight. I was like, ‘Yeah, that’s even better.’

“I understand that for the people that are not into the kickboxing game, they do not know my credentials, but the WBC, they also have like a Muay Thai kickboxing department. So for them, it did make sense. Like, ‘Hey, he’s one of the greatest, if not the greatest kickboxer of all time. So, he has his credentials, so a real title shot makes sense.’”

For the fight in Egypt, Verhoeven has been training with his longtime boxing coach Peter Fury – uncle of British boxing star Tyson Fury – and the Dutchman said of his preparations: “Well, the cool thing is, something that’s not broken, you don’t have to fix. He gave me the fundamentals, and working with Peter [made me] such a dominant [champion] in kickboxing.”

Recalling past sparring sessions with Tyson Fury, Verhoeven said: “It’s been a long time, but I learned a lot from that, [to] keep working, working, working, working, working, working, beating up the cracks. That’s the only thing, that’s how you get better.”

At the press conference itself, Verhoeven claimed that Hollywood actor Jason Statham – an acquaintance of Saudi boxing matchmaker Turki Alalshikh – was “one of the people who initiated this opportunity”.

Meanwhile, Peter Fury said Verhoeven “was offered a lot more money in other sports” before taking the Usyk fight.

Ukraine’s Usyk said of his decision to take a voluntary title defence against Verhoeven: “One time, I wanna do what I want, not what’s needed, because a lot of the time, I do what other people need. ‘You have to box like this.’ I say: ‘Ok, ok, ok.’ Now, I do what I need.”

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Usyk Reveals The One Reason Why He Will No Longer Chase Third Tyson Fury Fight

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Oleksandr Usyk Tyson Fury

Oleksandr Usyk has revealed why he may no longer pursue a third instalment of his enthralling rivalry with Tyson Fury.

Usyk handed Fury the first and second defeats of his professional career, simultaneously claiming the Briton’s WBC heavyweight world title to become the first undisputed four-belt champion in the history of the division.

Shortly afterwards, Fury retired from the sport for a fifth occasion, but made a successful comeback against Arslanbek Makhmudov this month following a 16-month lay-off, calling for both a clash with Anthony Joshua and Usyk during the aftermath.

Usyk reveals the one reason he will no longer chase third Tyson Fury fight

JUST IN: “A lot went wrong”: Canelo reflects on the reasons behind his loss to Terence Crawford

Along with Fury voicing his intentions to face Usyk for a third time, the Ukrainian has also previously named ‘The Gypsy King’ on his three-fight pre-retirement plan.

Yet, in an interview with Daily Mail Boxing, Usyk revealed that he may no longer target a third triumph over Fury, instead hoping to help Joshua overcome his bitter rival in their long-awaited grudge match.

“My plan has not changed, I have three fights. But, now I understand that Tyson has not signed [for a fight] with ‘AJ’.

“If ‘AJ’ and ‘Greedy’ [Fury] sign contract, I just stay back, ‘okay, [you are fighting each other instead], because I want to help AJ beat Tyson Fury.”

Joshua is set to make his ring return in July as part of a two-fight deal that will see him fight Fury later in the year should he win. The pair of British sporting icons will likely have a rematch if the contest is competitive.

Meanwhile, Usyk will attempt to defend his WBC heavyweight world title against Rico Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza on Saturday, May 23.

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“A lot went wrong”: Canelo reflects on the reasons behind his loss to Terence Crawford

By
Canelo Alvarez

Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez suffered the third defeat of his career in 2025 – his first at super-middleweight – when Terence Crawford outpointed him over twelve rounds.

Despite his pound-for-pound credentials, many in the sport felt the move up in weight would be a step too far for Crawford, who had just one fight at 154lbs before signing to face Canelo at 168lbs.

On fight night, he did everything right and earned the nod on all three judges’ cards, with scores of 116-112, 115-113, and 115-113. Crawford became the undisputed super-middleweight world champion and cemented his legacy. He would retire just a couple of months later.

Canelo reflects on the reasons behind his loss to Terence Crawford: “A lot went wrong”

JUST IN: “I’d love that”: Deontay Wilder called out for fight he has ‘run from fo

Though Alvarez will fight on and has his ring return booked for September this year, his comments on the defeat point to a fighter who, at 35 years old and with 532 rounds under his belt, is now feeling the effects of a long career.

Speaking on the Mr Versace podcast, the Mexican icon praised Crawford but said that his body was not responding in the way he wanted.

“A lot of things [went wrong]. My body [didn’t] respond the way I really wanted, because I wanted to be faster, and this and that, and then I didn’t recuperate my weight like I needed to. My legs felt a little bit tired, too. But he deserved all the credit. He made a better strategy than me, but I think I did well … It is what it is, you need to take the losses and learn from that and keep going.

“[Trainer Eddy Reynoso] told me everything, and I tried, but my body didn’t respond. I had cramps in my legs. It didn’t respond the way I really wanted. We learn from that and we move forward. I know what mistakes I made in the fight and in the camp too. That’s what boxing is about. A winner doesn’t mean you win every time. You need to learn from everything.”

Canelo is set to go straight back into championship contention this year, with a return confirmed at 168lbs and billed as a world title fight. Though the plans are still being finalised, Christian Mbilli, who now holds the WBC belt, is the frontrunner.

Whether or not camp goes better this time remains to be seen, though Canelo should at least be refreshed in one department, having undergone successful elbow surgery on a long-standing injury.

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“I’d love that”: Deontay Wilder called out for fight he has ‘run from fo

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Deontay Wilder

“I’d love that”: Deontay Wilder called out for fight he has ‘run from for years’

Deontay Wilder has been accused of “running” from a former world title challenger, who hopes their heavyweight encounter can finally come to fruition.

The 40-year-old returned to action earlier this month, edging a split decision against fellow veteran Derek Chisora after flooring his man on two occasions.

It was a scrappy affair for the most part, yet Wilder left many believing that he is capable of securing at least one more notable victory, before finally sailing into the sunset.

Deontay Wilder called out for fight he has ‘run from for years’: “I’d love that”

READ: Usyk Reveals The One Reason Why He Will No Longer Chase Third Tyson Fury Fight

In fairness, it was a vastly improved performance to what he produced against Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang, who outpointed and stopped him in 2023 and 2024, respectively.

In that same breath, though, it must be said that the former world champion is a far cry from the man who twice dropped Tyson Fury in 2021, before ultimately suffering an 11th-round stoppage defeat.

Another fighter who many consider to be nearing the end, meanwhile, is Dillian Whyte, who has not fought since his first-round stoppage defeat to Moses Itauma in August.

For a brief time, the Londoner was regarded as a genuine world-level contender, but now appears to be sitting on the brink of retirement.

Before finally calling it quits, though, the 38-year-old has told Impact Boxing that he is more than willing to hang around for a potential dustup with Wilder.

“I would love to fight Deontay Wilder; I’ve been trying to fight him for half of my career.

“The little b**ch [has] been running. So yeah, let’s see.”

Whyte challenged for the WBC heavyweight title against Fury in 2022, but came up short as he suffered a sixth-round stoppage loss.

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“It’s never too late to start”: Canelo Alvarez’s surprise move, He bec

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Canelo Alvarez

Canelo Alvarez’s surprise move: He becomes a student at a US university

Saul “Canelo” Alvarez surprised his millions of followers by announcing that he has begun a new stage in his life: studying for a university degree.

The multi-world boxing champion shared on his social networks that he entered the University of San Diego, making it clear with a motivational message that “it’s never too late to start”.

At 35 years of age, Canelo already has a career that few can match. He has been a world champion in four different divisions, has faced the best fighters of his generation and has built an important fortune thanks to boxing and his investments in different businesses. However, the Mexican never forgot that he had to leave school at a very young age to dedicate himself fully to the sport.

JUST IN: Claressa Shields Makes Deontay Wilder Retirement Remarks After

 

Canelo Alvarez goes back to school: “It’s never too late to start”

Canelo comes from a large family in Guadalajara, Jalisco, where several of his brothers were also boxers. From a young age, sport became his priority. The need to help his family financially and the dream of reaching the top forced him to leave school early. Now, with the maturity that experience gives and with his financial future assured, he decided to return to school.

In his post, Canelo showed his first day of university with a smiling photo and a positive message. For many fans, this decision represents a life lesson: no matter your age or achievements, there is always room to keep learning and growing as a person.

What does this step mean for Canelo?

Beyond boxing, Canelo Alvarez has proven to be a man of ambition. He has invested in different businesses and built a solid image outside the ring. Returning to college is a sign that he is seeking to continue his education, expand his knowledge and perhaps prepare for the stage that will come after he hangs up his gloves.

The news has been well received by Mexican fans, who see Canelo not only as a great champion, but also as a person who continues to evolve. In a world where many sportsmen and women retire without having finished their studies, Canelo’s decision inspires thousands of young people who dream of combining sport and education.

For now, Canelo will continue to combine his training with university classes. His boxing career continues, but he is also opening a new academic chapter that shows that it is never too late to fulfill pending goals.

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