Canelo Alvarez is indeed getting old! However, that hasn’t affected his ability to dominate his opponents in the ring. The 30 September Jermell Charlo fight is the prime example of the same, and Stephen Edwards agrees. So, when pressed about the outcome of the potential fight between David Benavidez and the Guadalajara resident, Edwards had to factor in Canelo’s recent performance. 

Edwards trains Canelo’s former rival, Caleb Plant, and has firsthand experience of what Canelo could do. Despite that, ‘Breadman’ Edwards had doubted Canelo’s capabilities after he fought the legendary Gennady Golovkin in September 2022. However, after ‘Cinnamon’ dismantled Charlo last year, he had to eat his own words while predicting a winner between Canelo and Benavidez in an interview with Fight Hype TV today.

Stephen Edwards on David Benavidez vs. Canelo Alvarez: “He’s like a Mexican James Toney”

Since the day David ‘The Mexican Monster’ Benavidez defeated Demetrius Andrade via sixth-round stoppage, a fight with Canelo has been the topic among fans. So, the reporter at Fight Hype questioned Edwards about his predictions for the potential fight. A doubtful Edwards had to think about it for a bit and managed to come up with, “It’s a close fight, man.” He then claimed Canelo did not look good before the fight against Jermell Charlo, so he had thought Benavidez would win. 

However, the Charlo fight has changed his mind. “He got an elite defense, [he] got an elite chin, he’s strong as hell, and he can punch also, so…it ain’t no just steamrolling Canelo. He a different level guy, when it comes down to that,” said Ford. He later compared Canelo to James Toney, “He’s like a Mexican James Toney in a sense [that he’s] better with bigger guys…and [his] defense is so good, so that’s a close fight,” said Edwards. While Edwards could not decide, Canelo’s former rival has the answer.

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Former IBF Lightweight champion and rival predicts the winner

Who better to judge the winner than someone who has faced Canelo’s power? In a December 30 interview with Fight Hype TV, Shane Mosley analyzes both fighters and shares a definitive answer. “Sugar” Shane Mosley claimed David Benavidez is a beast, but he won’t be able to walk through Canelo like he did to “Boo Boo” Andrade. 

He later added, “Canelo is very fast. He has good power and good ring IQ. I still think Benavidez might be a little too big for him. He’s too tall, his arms are too long,” said Mosley. So, the retired champion suggested Benavidez could pose some issues for Canelo because he had the same issue while fighting Dmitry Bivol. 

Also Read: “It’s Very Interesting Fight But”: Sparred With David Benavidez and Defeated Canelo Alvarez Earlier, Dmitry Bivol Sheds Light on How Possible Saul vs Benavidez Fight Would Go Now

While the fate of the potential fight between Canelo Alvarez and David Benavidez hangs in the balance, Stephen Edwards and Shane Mosley predict the outcome of the fight. However, it would be interesting to see whether Canelo steps up to accept the challenge. Who do you think would win if and when the fight happens? 

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