Controversial boxing commentator Paulie Malignaggi has stirred the pot once again, this time taking aim at Saúl ‘Canelo’ Álvarez and David Benavidez. Malignaggi expressed his frustration over not seeing a matchup between Canelo and Benavidez in the 168-pound division, a fight that fans eagerly anticipated but never came to fruition.
Malignaggi also took a shot at Benavidez for turning down a fight with David Morrell, who offered him a title shot. According to Malignaggi, Benavidez missed a significant opportunity, while Canelo has been defending his titles against other challengers.
“If Canelo vacated his titles, he could go on a retirement tour like Chávez Sr. did at the end of his career. I’m more excited about other things than I am with Canelo,” Malignaggi said, expressing his preference for fights like Crawford-Madrimov.
Despite the criticism, Canelo seems to have no intention of vacating his titles to appease Malignaggi or anyone else. Recently, he gave up his IBF title when the sanctioning body attempted to force him into a mandatory defense against William Scull. If the other sanctioning bodies try to impose fights he doesn’t want, Canelo may choose to relinquish those belts as well.
Malignaggi also criticized Turki Alalshikh, saying he doesn’t like how he talks about fights as if they are just tune-ups. “You can’t predict the winners,” Malignaggi emphasized, suggesting that underestimating opponents is a grave mistake in this sport.
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