MONSTER KNOCKOU! | BENAVIDEZ VS. ZURDO 🔥

 

DAVID BENAVIDEZ VS. GILBERTO ZURDO RANIREZ | FULL FIGHT HIGHLIGHTS

 

BENAVIDEZ VS. ZURDO | TALE OF THE TAPE

 

BENAVIDEZ VS. MORRELL FIGHT HIGHLIGHTS

 

TURKI ALALSHIKH BLASTS CANELO ALVAREZ FOR ONLY TAKING 'EASY FIGHTS'

Canelo Alvarez Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images

Canelo Alvarez’s latest fight booking has drawn the ire of some of combat sports’ most influential names.

The superstar boxer recently ruffled the feathers of UFC CEO Dana White and Conor McGregor recently, with White criticizing MGM for booking Alvarez’s upcoming Sept. 14 fight with Edgar Berlanga in Las Vegas on the same night as UFC 306 at the nearby Sphere, and McGregor targeting Alvarez himself, calling him “a cornflake.”

Saudi Arabian adviser and fight promoter Turki Alalshikh also appears to have beef with Alvarez as he recently announced that he is not pursuing a dream fight between Alvarez and Terence Crawford.

On Wednesday, Alalshikh elaborated on his reason for not wanting to work with Alvarez or his team via a social media post.

“I heard what Canelo said that he respects me but doesn’t like the way we do business. As for him respecting me, it doesn’t matter to me if he does or not.

“As for the way I do business, I know why he doesn’t like it, because I only target big fights at fair prices, so of course anyone who likes easy fights won’t like that. And I know how he feels after losing to Bivol, so he’s been looking for easier fights ever since. Also, I’m not the one who’s afraid of fighting [David] Benavidez or Crawford.

“Therefore, I knew he was wasting our time and making excuses with big amounts of money that can’t be paid. So I’m continuing my way to make big fights that serve the boxing world, and he’s on his way to making easy show-only fights.”

The gist of Alalshikh’s criticism is that he believes Alvarez is intentionally pricing himself out of marquee matchups to avoid difficult opponents. Alalshikh points specifically to Alvarez’s most recent loss, which came against WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol in May 2022. Alvarez has rebounded with four consecutive victories, knocking off the likes of Gennady Golovkin, Jermell Charlo, and most recently, Jaime Munguia.

Up next for Alvarez is another defense of his super middleweight titles against Berlanga on Sept. 14. In Alvarez’s 65-fight career, he has lost just twice and also has two draws on his record.

Alalshikh has been aggressive in promoting big-name boxing bouts over the past few years. This past weekend, his Riyadh Season promotion held an event at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, headlined by Crawford fighting Israil Madrimov. He was also a driving force behind former UFC champion and current PFL star Francis Ngannou’s fights with Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, and Fury’s recent championship bout with Oleksandr Usyk.

- Alexander K. Lee

BOXING DIVISIONAL RANKINGS: A NEW NO. 1 AT LIGHTWEIGHT; BENAVIDEZ SHAKES UP 175-POUND DIVISION

Gervonta "Tank" Davis moves up to the No. 1 spot at lightweight after his KO victory over Frank Martin. Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images

 ESPN's divisional boxing rankings highlight the best in the sport in every weight class. They will change often, based on recent results and performances. Rankings are based on what a fighter has accomplished in the weight division in which he is ranked. Fighters who have announced they are moving to a different weight class will be ranked in that new division, if warranted, only once they fight in that weight class. Fighters who currently own titles in two divisions can be ranked in both.

Fighters who haven't competed in the past 12 months -- and don't have a fight scheduled -- will be dropped from the rankings until they fight again. Any fighter who tests positive for a performance-enhancing substance will also be removed. That boxer will be eligible to re-enter the rankings after his next bout.

Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Gervonta "Tank" Davis retained his WBA lightweight title with an eighth-round KO of Frank Martin.

Davis (30-0, 28 KOs), of Baltimore, started slowly but broke down Martin after the third round with his powerful left hand. In the eighth round, Davis landed a left uppercut followed by a left hook that sent Martin to the canvas for the KO.

"I knew he wasn't getting back up because of the way he fell," said Davis after the fight. All three judges had identical scorecards of 67-66 in favor of Davis when the fight ended. All three judges gave Martin the first three rounds.

With the victory, Davis leapfrogs Vasiliy Lomachenko to take the No. 1 spot in the 135-pound division. Martin falls two spots to No. 7.

In the co-main event, David Benavidez moved up in weight and made a successful debut at light heavyweight with a unanimous decision win over former lineal champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk to claim the WBC interim light heavyweight title.

Benavidez (29-0, 24 KOs), of Phoenix, has been chasing undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez, but when that fight didn't materialize, he decided to move up one division. However, Benavidez said he's willing to go back down if a belt is on the line.

"We're still looking to go down to 168 to fight for the title," Benavidez said. "If we're going to get Canelo or if they're going to vacate it, I would like to win it one more time."

Benavidez won by scorecards of 117-111, 119-109 and 116-112. He enters the 175-pound rankings at No. 3, just behind champions Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev.

Gvozdyk (20-2, 16 KOs), of Kharkiv, Ukraine, is a former WBC champion. He lost his belt in a 10th-round defeat against Artur Beterbiev in 2019. He falls one spot to No. 7.

In Manati, Puerto Rico, also on Saturday, Liam Paro scored a big upset win over Subriel Matias to grab the IBF junior welterweight world title.

Paro (25-0, 15 KOs), of Queensland, Australia, won by scorecards of 116-111, 115-112 and 115-112. He was deducted one point in Round 7 for excessive holding.

"I have self-belief, I know the hard work I put in, I'm always the hardest worker in the room," Paro said after the fight. "I keep proving everyone wrong. I took the biggest test out there and came out on top.

"I've got the target on my back, but I want everyone. I've had 25 tests and got 25 wins. I just took out the boogeyman, now I'm the captain, so come and get it."

Paro enters the 140-pound rankings at No. 5, while Matias (20-2, 20 KOs), of Fajardo, Puerto Rico, falls five spot to No. 7.

Rankings are determined by Mike Coppinger, Nick Parkinson, Damian Delgado Averhoff and Andres Ferrari. They are updated weekly on Tuesdays.

For a list of the current champions in all weight classes, click here. For ESPN women's divisional rankings, click here.

Heavyweight - Cruiserweight - Light heavyweight - Super middleweight - Middleweight - Junior middleweight - Welterweight - Junior welterweight - Lightweight - Junior lightweight - Featherweight - Junior featherweight - Bantamweight - Junior bantamweight - Flyweight - Junior flyweight - Strawweight

HEAVYWEIGHT (UNLIMITED)

Oleksandr Usyk, right, defeated Tyson Fury to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era. Mohammed Saad/Anadolu via Getty Images

1. Oleksandr Usyk     Previous ranking: No. 1

Record: 22-0, 14 KOs

Last: W (SD12) Tyson Fury, May 18 (Watch this fight on ESPN+ PPV)

Next: Dec. 21 vs. Tyson Fury

2. Tyson Fury     Previous ranking: No. 2

Record: 34-1-1, 24 KOs

Last: L (SD12) Oleksandr Usyk, May 18 (Watch this fight on ESPN+ PPV)

Next: Dec. 21 vs. Oleksandr Usyk

3. Anthony Joshua     Previous ranking: No. 3

Record: 28-3, 25 KOs

Last: W (KO2) Francis Ngannou, March 8

Next: Sept. 21 vs. TBA

4. Joseph Parker     Previous ranking: No. 4

Record: 35-3, 23 KOs

Last: W (MD12) Zhilei Zhang, March 8

Next: TBA

5. Zhilei Zhang     Previous ranking: No. 6

Record: 27-2-1, 22 KOs

Last: W (KO5) Deontay Wilder, June 1

Next: TBA

6. Daniel Dubois     Previous ranking: No. 10

Record: 21-2, 20 KOs

Last: W (TKO8) Filip Hrgovic, June 1

Next: TBA

7. Agit Kabayel     Previous ranking: No. 8

Record: 25-0, 17 KOs

Last: W (KO7) Frank Sanchez, May 18

Next: TBA

8. Jared Anderson     Previous ranking: No. 9

Record: 17-0, 15 KOs

Last: W (UD10) Ryad Merhy, April 13

Next: Aug. 3 vs. Martin Bakole

9. Filip Hrgovic     Previous ranking: No. 5

Record: 17-1, 14 KOs

Last: L (TKO8) Daniel Dubois, June 1

Next: TBA

10. Martin Bakole     Previous ranking: N/R

Record: 20-1, 15 KOs

Last: W (TKO4) Carlos Takam, Oct. 28

Next: Aug. 3 vs. Jared Anderson

Editor's note: Andy Ruiz Jr. has been removed for inactivity.

CRUISERWEIGHT (UP TO 200 POUNDS)

1. Jai Opetaia     Previous ranking: No. 1

Record: 25-0, 19 KOs

Last: W (UD12) Mairis Briedis, May 18

Next: TBA

2. Chris Billam-Smith     Previous ranking: No. 2

Record: 20-1, 13 KOs

Last: W (UD12) Richard Riakporhe, June 15

Next: TBA

3. Mairis Briedis     Previous ranking: No. 3

Record: 28-3, 20 KOs

Last: L (UD12) Jai Opetaia, May 18

Next: TBA

4. Norair Mikaeljan     Previous ranking: No. 4

Record: 27-2, 12 KOs

Last: W (TKO3) Ilunga Makabu, Nov. 4

Next: June 7 vs. Ryan Rozicki

5. Gilberto Ramirez     Previous ranking: No. 5

Record: 45-1, 30 KOs

Last: W (UD12) Arsen Goulamirian, March 30

Next: TBA

6. Lawrence Okolie     Previous ranking: No. 6

Record: 20-1, 15 KOs

Last: W (TKO1) Lukasz Rozanski, May 24

Next: TBA

7. Mateusz Masternak     Previous ranking: No. 9

Record: 48-6, 32 KOs

Last: W (TKO8) Jean Jacques Olivier, April 20

Next: TBA

8. Jack Massey     Previous ranking: N/R

Record: 22-2, 31 KOs

Last: W (UD12) Isaac Chamberlain, June 15

Next: TBA

9. Ryan Rozicki     Previous ranking: No. 10

Record: 20-1, 19 KOs

Last: W (TKO1) Olanrewaju Durodola, Dec. 2

Next: TBA

10. Richard Riakporhe     Previous ranking: No. 7

Record: 17-1, 13 KOs

Last: L (UD12) Chris Billam-Smith, June 15

Next: TBA

Editor's note: Badou Jack and Yuniel Dorticos have been removed for inactivity.

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT (UP TO 175 POUNDS)

1. Dmitry Bivol     Previous ranking: No. 1

Record: 23-0, 12 KOs

Last: W (TKO6) Malik Zinad, June 1

Next: Oct. 12 vs. Artur Beterbiev

2. Artur Beterbiev     Previous ranking: No. 2

Record: 20-0, 20 KOs

Last: W (TKO7) Callum Smith, Jan. 13

Next: Oct. 12 vs. Dmitry Bivol

3. David Benavidez     Previous ranking: N/R

Record: 29-0, 24 KOs

Last: W (UD12) Oleksandr Gvozdyk, June 15

Next: TBA

4. Joshua Buatsi     Previous ranking: No. 3

Record: 18-0, 13 KOs

Last: W (UD12) Dan Azeez, Feb. 3

Next: TBA

5. Anthony Yarde     Previous ranking: No. 4

Record: 25-3, 24 KOs

Last: W (TKO3) Marko Nikolic, Feb. 10

Next: TBA

6. Callum Smith     Previous ranking: No. 5

Record: 29-2, 21 KOs

Last: L (TKO7) Artur Beterbiev, Jan. 13

Next: TBA

7. Oleksandr Gvozdyk     Previous ranking: No. 6

Record: 20-2, 16 KOs

Last: L (UD12) David Benavidez, June 15

Next: TBA

8. Willy Hutchinson     Previous ranking: No. 8

Record: 18-1, 13 KOs

Last: W (UD12) Craig Richards, June 1

Next: TBA

9. Connor Wallace     Previous ranking: No. 9

Record: 13-1, 10 KOs

Last: W (TKO6) Jack Gipp, March 17

Next: TBA

10. Lyndon Arthur     Previous ranking: No. 10

Record: 23-2, 16 KOs

Last: L (UD12) Dmitry Bivol, Dec. 23

Next: TBA

Editor's note: Andre Dirrell has been removed for inactivity.

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT (UP TO 168 POUNDS)

Canelo Alvarez, right, punches John Ryder during their super middleweight title fight at Akron Stadium in Guadalajara on Saturday. Hector Vivas/Getty Images

1. Canelo Alvarez     Previous ranking: No. 1

Record: 61-2-2, 39 KOs

Last: W (UD12) Jaime Munguia, May 4

Next: TBA

2. David Morrell     Previous ranking: No. 3

Record: 10-0, 9 KOs

Last: W (UD12) Sena Agbeko, Dec. 16

Next: Aug. 3 vs. Radivoje Kalajdzic

3. Christian Mbilli     Previous ranking: No. 4

Record: 27-0, 23 KOs

Last: W (KO1) Mark Heffron, May 25

Next: Aug. 17 vs. Sergiy Derevyanchenko

4. Jaime Munguia     Previous ranking: No. 5

Record: 43-1, 34 KOs

Last: L (UD12) Canelo Alvarez, May 4

Next: TBA

5. Diego Pacheco     Previous ranking: No. 6

Record: 21-0, 17 KOs

Last: W (UD10) Shawn McCalman, April 6

Next: TBA

6. Edgar Berlanga     Previous ranking: No. 7

Record: 22-0, 17 KOs

Last: W (KO6) Padraig McCrory, Feb. 24

Next: TBA

7. Demetrius Andrade     Previous ranking: No. 8

Record: 32-1, 19 KOs

Last: L (TKO6) David Benavidez, Nov. 25

Next: TBA

8. Bektemir Melikuziev     Previous ranking: No. 9

Record: 14-1, 10 KOs

Last: W (TD8) Pierre Dibombe, April 20

Next: TBA

9. Erik Bazinyan     Previous ranking: No. 10

Record: 32-0, 23 KOs

Last: Draw (SD10) Shakeel Phinn, May 2

Next: TBA

10. Kevin Lele Sadjo     Previous ranking: N/R

Record: 23-0, 20 KOs

Last: W (UD12) Durval Elias Palacio, June 13

Next: TBA

Editor's note: David Benavidez moved up to light heavyweight. Caleb Plant has been removed for inactivity.

MIDDLEWEIGHT (UP TO 160 POUNDS)

1. Janibek Alimkhanuly     Previous ranking: No. 1

Record: 15-0, 10 KOs

Last: W (TKO6) Vincenzo Gualtieri, Oct. 14 (Watch this fight on ESPN+)

Next: July 13 vs. Andrei Mikhailovich

2. Carlos Adames     Previous ranking: No. 2

Record: 24-1, 18 KOs

Last: W (UD12) Terrell Gausha, June 15

Next: TBA

3. Jermall Charlo     Previous ranking: No. 3

Record: 33-0, 22 KOs

Last: W (UD10) Jose Benavidez Jr., Nov. 25

Next: TBA

4. Chris Eubank Jr.     Previous ranking: No. 4

Record: 32-3, 24 KOs

Last: W (TKO10) Liam Smith, Sept. 2 (Watch this fight on ESPN+)

Next: TBA

5. Hamzah Sheeraz     Previous ranking: No. 5

Record: 20-0, 16 KOs

Last: W (TKO11) Austin Williams, June 1

Next: TBA

6. Erislandy Lara     Previous ranking: No. 6

Record: 30-3-3, 18 KOs

Last: W (KO2) Michael Zerafa, March 30

Next: TBA

7. Meiirim Nursultanov     Previous ranking: No. 7

Record: 20-0, 11 KOs

Last: W (UD12) Julio Alamos, Nov. 17

Next: TBA

8. Kyrone Davis     Previous ranking: N/R

Record: 19-3-1, 6 KOs

Last: W (SD10) Elijah Garcia, June 15

Next: TBA

9. Liam Smith     Previous ranking: No. 9

Record: 33-4-1, 20 KOs

Last: L (TKO10) Chris Eubank Jr., Sept. 2 (Watch this fight on ESPN+)

Next: TBA

10. Sergiy Derevyanchenko     Previous ranking: No. 10

Record: 15-5, 10 KOs

Last: W (UD10) Vaughn Alexander, April 20

Next: Aug. 17 vs. Christian Mbilli

Editor's note: Gennadiy Golovkin has been removed for inactivity.

JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT (UP TO 154 POUNDS)

PBC

1. Sebastian Fundora     Previous ranking: No. 1

Record: 21-1-1, 13 KOs

Last: W (SD12) Tim Tszyu, March 30

Next: TBA vs. Errol Spence Jr.

2. Tim Tszyu     Previous ranking: No. 2

Record: 24-1, 17 KOs

Last: L (SD12) Sebastian Fundora, March 30

Next: Aug. 3 vs. Virgil Ortiz Jr.

3. Israil Madrimov     Previous ranking: No. 3

Record: 10-0-1, 7 KOs

Last: W (TKO5) Magomed Kurbanov, March 8

Next: Aug. 3 vs. Terence Crawford

4. Vergil Ortiz Jr.     Previous ranking: No. 4

Record: 21-0, 21 KOs

Last: W (KO1) Thomas Dulorme, April 27

Next: Aug. 3 vs. Tim Tszyu

5. Erickson Lubin     Previous ranking: No. 5

Record: 26-2, 18 KOs

Last: W (UD12) Jesus Ramos Jr., Sept. 30

Next: TBA

6. Serhii Bohachuk     Previous ranking: No. 6

Record: 26-2, 18 KOs

Last: W (UD12) Brian Mendoza, March 30

Next: TBA

7. Bakhram Murtazaliev     Previous ranking: N/R

Record: 22-0, 16 KOs

Last: W (KO11) Jack Culcay, April 6

Next: TBA

8. Jesus Ramos Jr.     Previous ranking: No. 7

Record: 21-1, 17 KOs

Last: W (TKO9) Johan Gonzalez, May 4

Next: TBA

9. Xander Zayas     Previous ranking: No. 9

Record: 19-0, 12 KOs

Last: W (UD10) Patrick Teixeira, June 8

Next: TBA

10. Charles Conwell     Previous ranking: No. 10

Record: 19-0, 14 KOs

Last: W (TKO6) Nathaniel Gallimore, April 20

Next: TBA

Editor's note: Jermell Charlo has been removed for inactivity in the division. Brian Castano have been removed for inactivity.

WELTERWEIGHT (UP TO 147 POUNDS)

1. Terence Crawford     Previous ranking: No. 1

Record: 40-0, 31 KOs

Last: W (TKO9) Errol Spence Jr., July 29

Next: Aug. 3 vs. Israil Madrimov

2. Errol Spence Jr.     Previous ranking: No. 2

Record: 28-1, 22 KOs

Last: L (TKO10) Terence Crawford, July 29

Next: TBA vs. Sebastian Fundora

3. Jaron Ennis     Previous ranking: No. 4

Record: 31-0, 28 KOs

Last: W (KO10) Roiman Villa, July 8

Next: July 13 vs. David Avanesyan

4. Eimantas Stanionis     Previous ranking: No. 4

Record: 15-0, 9 KOs

Last: W (UD12) Gabriel Maestre, May 4

Next: TBA

5. Mario Barrios     Previous ranking: No. 5

Record: 29-2, 18 KOs

Last: W (UD12) Fabian Maidana, May 4

Next: TBA

6. Cody Crowley     Previous ranking: No. 6

Record: 22-0, 9 KOs

Last: W (MD12) Abel Ramos, March 25

Next: TBA

7. Conor Benn     Previous ranking: No. 7

Record: 23-0, 14 KOs

Last: W (UD12) Peter Dobson, Feb. 3

Next: TBA

8. David Avanesyan     Previous ranking: No. 8

Record: 30-4-1, 18 KOs

Last: W (TKO4) Serge Ambomo, Dec. 20

Next: July 13 vs. Jaron Ennis

9. Souleymane Cissokho     Previous ranking: No. 10

Record: 17-0, 9 KOs

Last: W (UD12) Isaias Lucero, Nov. 4

Next: TBA

10. Brian Norman Jr.     Previous ranking: N/R

Record: 26-0, 20 KOs

Last: W (KO10) Giovani Santillan, May 18

Next: TBA

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT (UP TO 140 POUNDS)

1. Teofimo Lopez     Previous ranking: No. 1

Record: 20-1, 13 KOs

Last: W (UD12) Jamaine Ortiz, Feb. 8

Next: June 29 vs. Steve Claggett

2. Devin Haney     Previous ranking: No. 3

Record: 31-1, 15 KOs

Last: L (MD12) Ryan Garcia, April 20

Next: TBA

3. Jack Catterall     Previous ranking: No. 4

Record: 29-1, 13 KOs

Last: W (UD12) Josh Taylor, May 25

Next: TBA

4. Isaac Cruz     Previous ranking: No. 5

Record: 26-2-1, 18 KOs

Last: W (TKO8) Rolando Romero, March 30

Next: Aug. 3 vs. Jose Valenzuela

5. Liam Paro     Previous ranking: N/R

Record: 25-0, 15 KOs

Last: W (UD12) Subriel Matias, June 15

Next: TBA

6. Jose Ramirez     Previous ranking: No. 6

Record: 29-1, 18 KOs

Last: W (UD12) Rances Barthelemy, April 27

Next: TBA

7. Subriel Matias     Previous ranking: No. 2

Record: 20-2, 20 KOs

Last: L (UD12) Liam Paro, June 15

Next: TBA

8. Regis Prograis     Previous ranking: No. 7

Record: 29-2, 24 KOs

Last: L (UD12) Devin Haney, Dec. 9

Next: TBA

9. Josh Taylor     Previous ranking: No. 8

Record: 19-2, 13 KOs

Last: L (UD12) Jack Catterall, May 25

Next: TBA

10. Alberto Puello     Previous ranking: N/R

Record: 23-0, 10 KOs

Last: W (SD12) Gary Antuanne Russell, June 15

Next: TBA

Editor's note: Ryan Garcia has been removed for testing positive ahead of his win over Devin Haney.

LIGHTWEIGHT (UP TO 135 POUNDS)

1. Gervonta Davis     Previous ranking: No. 2

Record: 30-0, 28 KOs

Last: W (KO8) Frank Martin, June 15

Next: TBA

2. Vasiliy Lomachenko     Previous ranking: No. 1

Record: 18-3, 12 KOs

Last: W (TKO11) George Kambosos Jr., May 11

Next: TBA

3. Shakur Stevenson     Previous ranking: No. 3

Record: 21-0, 10 KOs

Last: W (UD12) Edwin De Los Santos, Nov. 16

Next: July 6 vs. Artem Harutyunyan

4. William Zepeda     Previous ranking: No. 4

Record: 30-0, 26 KOs

Last: W (TKO4) Maxi Hughes, March 16

Next: July 6 vs. Giovanni Cabrera

5. Denys Berinchyk     Previous ranking: No. 7

Record: 19-0, 9 KOs

Last: W (SD12) Emanuel Navarrete, May. 18

Next: TBA

6. Keyshawn Davis     Previous ranking: No. 6

Record: 10-0, 7 KOs

Last: W (TKO6) Jose Pedraza, Feb. 9

Next: TBA

7. Frank Martin     Previous ranking: No. 5

Record: 18-1, 12 KOs

Last: L (KO8) Gervonta Davis, June 15

Next: TBA

8. Raymond Muratalla     Previous ranking: No. 8

Record: 20-0, 16 KOs

Last: W (UD10) Xolisani Ndongeni, March. 29

Next: Jul. 13 vs. Tevin Farmer

9. George Kambosos Jr.     Previous ranking: No. 9

Record: 21-3, 10 KOs

Last: L (TKO11) Vasiliy Lomachenko, May. 11

Next: TBA

10. Zaur Abdullaev     Previous ranking: No. 10

Record: 18-1, 11 KOs

Last: W (UD10) Roger Gutierrez, Feb. 10

Next: TBA

JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHT (UP TO 130 POUNDS)

1. Emanuel Navarrete     Previous ranking: No. 1

Record: 38-2-1, 31 KOs

Last: L (SD12) Denys Berinchyk, May 18

Next: TBA

2. O'Shaquie Foster     Previous ranking: No. 2

Record: 22-2, 12 KOs

Last: W (SD12) Abraham Nova, Feb. 16

Next: July 6 vs. Robson Conceicao

3. Anthony Cacace     Previous ranking: No. 3

Record: 22-1, 8 KOs

Last: W (TKO8) Joe Cordina, May 18

Next: TBA

4. Oscar Valdez     Previous ranking: No. 4

Record: 32-2, 24 KOs

Last: W (TKO7) Liam Wilson, March 29

Next: TBA

5. Robson Conceicao     Previous ranking: No. 5

Record: 18-2-1 1 NC, 9 KOs

Last: W (TKO7) Jose Ivan Guardado, April 13

Next: July 6 vs. O'Shaquie Foster

6. Joe Cordina     Previous ranking: No. 6

Record: 17-1, 9 KOs

Last: L (TKO7) Anthony Cacace, May 18

Next: TBA

7. Eduardo Nunez     Previous ranking: No. 7

Record: 26-1, 26 KOs

Last: W (KO11) Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov, Feb. 16

Next: TBA

8. Lamont Roach     Previous ranking: No. 8

Record: 24-1-1 9 KOs

Last: W (SD12) Hector Luis Garcia, Nov. 25

Next: TBA

9. Andres Cortes     Previous ranking: No. 9

Record: 21-0, 12 KOs

Last: W (TKO4) Bryan Chevalier, Feb. 16

Next: June 21 vs. Abraham Nova

10. Mark Magsayo     Previous ranking: N/R

Record: 26-2, 17 KOs

Last: W (UD10) Eduardo Ramirez, June 15

Next: TBA

FEATHERWEIGHT (UP TO 126 POUNDS)

1. Luis Alberto Lopez     Previous ranking: No. 1

Record: 30-2, 17 KOs

Last: W (TKO8) Reiya Abe, March 2

Next: Aug. 10 vs. Angelo Leo

2. Leigh Wood     Previous ranking: No. 2

Record: 28-3, 17 KOs

Last: W (TKO7) Josh Warrington, Oct. 7

Next: TBA

3. Brandon Figueroa     Previous ranking: No. 3

Record: 25-1-1, 19 KOs

Last: W (KO9) Jessie Magdaleno, May 4

Next: TBA

4. Nick Ball     Previous ranking: No. 4

Record: 20-0-1, 11 KOs

Last: W (SD12) Raymond Ford, June 1

Next: TBA

5. Rafael Espinoza     Previous ranking: No. 5

Record: 24-0, 20 KOs

Last: W (UD12) Robeisy Ramirez, Dec. 9

Next: June 21 vs. Sergio Chirino

6. Robeisy Ramirez     Previous ranking: No. 6

Record: 13-2, 8 KOs

Last: L (UD12) Rafael Espinoza, Dec. 9

Next: June 29 vs. Brandon Leon Benitez

7. Rey Vargas     Previous ranking: No. 7

Record: 36-1, 22 KOs

Last: Split draw (SD12) Nick Ball, March 8

Next: TBA

8. Raymond Ford     Previous ranking: No. 8

Record: 15-1-1, 8 KOs

Last: L (SD12) Nick Ball, June 1

Next: TBA

9. Bruce Carrington     Previous ranking: No. 9

Record: 12-0, 8 KOs

Last: W (TKO8) Brayan De Gracia, June 8

Next: TBA

10. Josh Warrington     Previous ranking: No. 10

Record: 31-3-1, 8 KOs

Last: L (TKO7) Leigh Wood, Oct. 7

Next: TBA

Editor's note: Gary Russell Jr. has been removed for inactivity.

JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHT (UP TO 122 POUNDS)

1. Naoya Inoue     Previous ranking: No. 1

Record: 27-0, 24 KOs

Last: W (KO6) Luis Nery, May 6 (Watch this fight on ESPN+)

Next: TBA

2. Stephen Fulton     Previous ranking: No. 2

Record: 21-1, 8 KOs

Last: L (TKO8) Naoya Inoue, July 25

Next: TBA

3. Marlon Tapales     Previous ranking: No. 4

Record: 37-4, 19 KOs

Last: L (TKO10) Naoya Inoue, Dec. 26 (Watch this fight on ESPN+)

Next: TBA

4. Murodjon Akhmadaliev     Previous ranking: No. 5

Record: 12-1, 9 KOs

Last: W (TKO8) Kevin Gonzalez, Dec. 16

Next: TBA

5. Luis Nery     Previous ranking: No. 3

Record: 35-2, 27 KOs

Last: L (TKO6) Naoya Inoue, May 6

Next: TBA

6. John Riel Casimero     Previous ranking: No. 6

Record: 33-4-1, 22 KOs

Last: Draw (TD4) Yukinori Oguni, Oct. 12

Next: TBA

7. Sam Goodman     Previous ranking: No. 7

Record: 18-0, 8 KOs

Last: W (TKO4) Mark Schleibs, March 13

Next: TBA

8. Ra'eese Aleem     Previous ranking: No. 8

Record: 20-1, 12 KOs

Last: L (SD12) Sam Goodman, June 18

Next: TBA

9. Elijah Pierce     Previous ranking: No. 9

Record: 19-2, 16 KOs

Last: W (TKO4) Arthur Villanueva, March 29

Next: TBA

10. TJ Doheny     Previous ranking: No. 10

Record: 26-4, 20 KOs

Last: W (TKO4) Bryl Bayogos, May 6

Next: TBA

BANTAMWEIGHT (UP TO 118 POUNDS)

1. Junto Nakatani     Previous ranking: N/R

Record: 26-0, 19 KOs

Last: W (TKO6) Alexandro Santiago, Feb. 24

Next: TBA

2. Takuma Inoue     Previous ranking: No. 2

Record: 20-1, 5 KOs

Last: W (UD12) Sho Ishida, May 6

Next: TBA

3. Ryosuke Nishida     Previous ranking: No. 8

Record: 9-0, 1 KO

Last: W (UD12) Emmanuel Rodriguez, May 4

Next: TBA

4. Yoshiki Takei     Previous ranking: N/R

Record: 9-0, 8 KOs

Last: W (UD12) Jason Moloney, May 6

Next: TBA

5. Vincent Astrolabio     Previous ranking: No. 6

Record: 19-4, 14 KOs

Last: W (TKO11) Nawaphon Kaikanha, Aug. 26

Next: TBA

6. Alexandro Santiago     Previous ranking: No. 5

Record: 28-4-5, 14 KOs

Last: L (TKO6) Junto Nakatani, Feb. 24

Next: TBA

7. Emmanuel Rodriguez     Previous ranking: No. 3

Record: 22-3, 13 KOs

Last: L (UD12) Ryosuke Nishida, May 4

Next: TBA

8. Sho Ishida     Previous ranking: No. 7

Record: 33-4, 16 KOs

Last: L (UD12) Takuma Inoue, May 6

Next: TBA

9. Jason Moloney     Previous ranking: No. 4

Record: 27-3, 19 KOs

Last: L (UD12) Yoshiki Takei, May 6

Next: TBA

10. Antonio Vargas     Previous ranking: No. 10

Record: 18-1, 10 KOs

Last: W (TKO7) Jonathan Rodriguez, Feb. 24

Next: TBA

Editor's note: Gary Antonio Russell and Kal Yafai have been remove for inactivity.

JUNIOR BANTAMWEIGHT (UP TO 115 POUNDS)

1. Juan Francisco Estrada     Previous ranking: No. 1

Record: 44-3, 28 KOs

Last: W (MD12) Roman "Chocolatito" Gonzalez, Dec. 3, 2022

Next: June 29 vs. Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez

2. Kazuto Ioka     Previous ranking: No. 2

Record: 31-2-1, 16 KOs

Last: W (KO7) Josber Perez, Dec. 31

Next: July 7 vs. Fernando Martinez

3. Fernando Martinez     Previous ranking: No. 3

Record: 16-0, 9 KOs

Last: W (TKO11) Jade Bornea, June 24

Next: July 7 vs. Kazuto Ioka

4. Kosei Tanaka     Previous ranking: No. 4

Record: 20-1, 11 KOs

Last: W (UD12) Christian Bacasegua Rangel, Feb. 24

Next: TBA

5. Carlos Cuadras     Previous ranking: No. 5

Record: 42-5-1, 28 KOs

Last: W (SD12) Pedro Guevara, Nov. 17

Next: TBA

6. KJ Cataraja     Previous ranking: No. 8

Record: 17-0, 13 KOs

Last: W (UD8) Jun Blazo, Feb. 13

Next: TBA

7. Srisaket Sor Rungvisai     Previous ranking: No. 6

Record: 56-6-1, 46 KOs

Last: W (UD6) Guangheng Luan, Feb. 23

Next: TBA

8. Cristofer Rosales     Previous ranking: No. 9

Record: 37-6, 22 KOs

Last: W (UD8) Francisco Gomez Sanchez, March 23

Next: TBA

9. David Jimenez     Previous ranking: N/R

Record: 16-1, 11 KOs

Last: W (UD12) John Ramirez, April 20

Next: TBA

10. Pedro Guevara     Previous ranking: N/R

Record: 42-4-1, 22 KOs

Last: W (SD12) Andrew Moloney, May 11

Next: TBA

Editor's note: Roman "Chocolatito" Gonzalez has been removed from inactivity. Joshua Franco retired.

FLYWEIGHT (UP TO 112 POUNDS)

1. Jesse Rodriguez     Previous ranking: No. 1

Record: 19-0, 12 KOs

Last: W (TKO9) Sunny Edwards, Dec. 16

Next: June 29 vs. Juan Francisco Estrada

2. Sunny Edwards     Previous ranking: No. 2

Record: 20-1, 4 KOs

Last: L (TKO9) Jesse Rodriguez, Dec. 16

Next: June 29 vs. Adrian Curiel

3. Julio Cesar Martinez     Previous ranking: No. 3

Record: 21-2, 1 NC, 15 KOs

Last: W (MD12) Angelino Cordova, March 30

Next: TBA

4. Seigo Yuri Akui     Previous ranking: No. 4

Record: 20-2-1, 11 KOs

Last: W (UD12) Taku Kuwahara, May 6

Next: TBA

5. Angel Ayala     Previous ranking: No. 5

Record: 17-0, 7 KOs

Last: W (UD10) Felix Alvarado, Oct. 14

Next TBA

6. Artem Dalakian     Previous ranking: No. 6

Record: 22-1, 15 KOs

Last: L (UD12) Seigo Yuri Akui, Jan. 23

Next: TBA

7. David Jimenez     Previous ranking: No. 7

Record: 16-1, 11 KOs

Last: W (UD12) John Ramirez, April 20

Next: TBA

8. Ricardo Sandoval     Previous ranking: No. 8

Record: 23-2, 16 KOs

Last: W (UD10) Victor Sandoval, Oct. 21

Next TBA

9. Galal Yafai     Previous ranking: No. 9

Record: 7-0, 5 KOs

Last: W (TKO8) Agustin Gauto, April 6

Next TBA

10. Angelino Cordova     Previous ranking: No. 10

Record: 18-1-1, 12 KOs

Last: L (MD12) Julio Cesar Martinez, March 30

Next TBA

JUNIOR FLYWEIGHT (UP TO 108 POUNDS)

1. Kenshiro Teraji     Previous ranking: No. 1

Record: 23-1, 14 KOs

Last: W (MD12) Carlos Canizales, Jan. 23

Next: TBA

2. Jonathan Gonzalez     Previous ranking: 2

Record: 28-3-1, 14 KOs

Last: W (UD12) Rene Santiago, March 2

Next: TBA

3. Carlos Canizales     Previous ranking: No. 5

Record: 26-2-1, 19 KOs

Last: L (MD12) Kenshiro Teraji, Jan. 13

Next: TBA

4. Sivenathi Nontshinga     Previous ranking: N/R

Record: 13-1, 10 KOs

Last: W (TKO10) Adrian Curiel, Feb. 16

Next: TBA

5. Adrian Curiel     Previous ranking: No. 3

Record: 24-5-1, 5 KOs

Last: L (TKO10) Sivenathi Nontshinga, Feb. 16

Next: June 29 vs. Sunny Edwards

STRAWWEIGHT (UP TO 105 POUNDS)

1. Ginjiro Shigeoka     Previous ranking: No. 2

Record: 11-0, 9 KOs

Last: W (TKO2) Jake Amparo, March 31

Next: TBA

2. Oscar Collazo     Previous ranking: No. 1

Record: 10-0, 7 KOs

Last: W (UD12) Gerardo Zapata, June 7

Next: TBA

3. Melvin Jerusalem     Previous ranking: No. 5

Record: 22-3, 12 KOs

Last: W (SD12) Yudai Shigeoka, March 31

Next: TBA

4. Yudai Shigeoka     Previous ranking: No. 3

Record: 8-0, 5 KOs

Last: L (SD12) Melvin Jerusalem, March 31

Next: TBA

5. Petchmanee CP Freshmart     Previous ranking: No. 4

Record: 41-2, 25 KOs

Last: W (TKO2) Wichet Sengprakhon, Dec. 20

Next: TBA

Editor's note: Knockout CP Freshmart has been removed for inactivity.

'A DIFFERENT ERA FOR ME': CANELO'S NEW APPROACH ISN'T TO SATISFY HIS CRITICS

Canelo Alvarez, above, is facing Jaime Munguia on Saturday, the first time two fighters from Mexico will compete for an undisputed championship in the four-belt era. Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images

LAS VEGAS -- Canelo Alvarez removed his designer sunglasses to reveal the sort of deadly serious expression that's all too familiar to his 39 knockout opponents.

Only this time, the target of his white-hot rage wasn't another fighter -- at least not an active one -- but Oscar De La Hoya, the Hall of Fame boxer who promoted Alvarez from 2010 until their ugly breakup in 2020.

For the first time since November 2019, Alvarez and De La Hoya shared a stage during fight week as Alvarez prepares to defend his undisputed super middleweight championship against fellow Mexican Jaime Munguia on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena (8 p.m. ET, Prime Video PPV).

Munguia (43-0, 34 KOs) is co-promoted by De La Hoya, who once occupied Canelo's position as the face of boxing for much of the 1990s and 2000s. And while "The Golden Boy" taunted Alvarez with digging remarks about the star fighter's character, taking aim at Alvarez's failed drug test ahead of his 2018 rematch with Gennadiy Golovkin, Munguia could only laugh.

"Yes, there were times that work was not my priority based on my mental health, which I had neglected for so long," De La Hoya told Alvarez. "But that doesn't change the fact that Golden Boy built Canelo over this period."

Alvarez (60-2-2, 39 KOs) responded with an expletive-laced tirade on the "idiot" he despises, saying, "try not to forget that I was already Canelo when I came to the United States and that he only profited from my name. He never lost a single cent, but instead made money. Have you already paid Golovkin what you wanted to steal from him?"

De La Hoya told ESPN on Wednesday that GGG was paid "everything he's owed" following Golovkin's 2022 lawsuit against Golden Boy Promotions, which sought upward of $3 million. On Thursday, De La Hoya sent Alvarez a legal letter demanding that Canelo cease and desist from further "defamatory allegations" and retract his comments.

Alvarez showed Wednesday he still has plenty of fight left in him -- a burning desire after all these years to hit back at foes inside and outside the ring. In an era where boxers usually train near the comforts of home, Alvarez once again went away for training camp to his cabin in the mountains of California near Lake Tahoe in Truckee.

Alvarez now appears to be entering a different stage of his career, where he flexes his muscle as the sole face of boxing. During his storied career, he often sought out the sport's most-avoided fighters -- Dmitry Bivol, Austin Trout and Erislandy Lara among them -- in search of legacy.

Days ahead of his 65th pro fight and two months shy of his 34th birthday, Alvarez's place in boxing history is undoubtedly secured. He'll be a first-ballot Hall of Famer whenever he retires, with a chance to surpass Julio Cesar Chavez as Mexico's all-time greatest boxer.

Canelo has been a staple of boxing's pound-for-pound list (currently ESPN's No. 4) for two decades, delivering matchups fans clamored for, most notably a classic trilogy with GGG. Lately, he's resisted increasing public demand for a clash with rising star David Benavidez, who occupies the No. 2 position in ESPN's super middleweight rankings.

But rather than Benavidez, Alvarez will defend his 168-pound crown vs. Munguia on Cinco de Mayo weekend. The champion is a -550 favorite, per ESPN BET, to turn back ESPN's No. 4 168-pounder.

"[Benavidez] brings nothing to the table for me," Alvarez said in March at a news conference in Beverly Hills, California. "He just brings 25 extra pounds on the night of the fight. That's it. ... If a promoter who I work with offers $150 to $200 million, then I'll fight tomorrow. That's the only reason I'll fight with him."

De La Hoya earned hundreds of millions during his run, just like Alvarez after him, and faced the same pressure to continue taking on the toughest challenges.

"When a fighter mentions a number that high, $150, $200 million, in other words, I don't want to fight him," De La Hoya told ESPN last month. " ... Canelo comes in after [Floyd] Mayweather [as boxing's top star] and he's setting the example that it's about the payday. ... The whole world wishes that he would fight Benavidez and lead by example.

"That fight must happen. We're on a good roll right now with having good fights, and we must continue to make those big fights happen. And for the first time in a long time, the casual fan is asking for this fight. It's kind of like Mayweather-[Manny] Pacquiao. It's that type of situation. So it'll be a shame if Canelo doesn't [fight Benavidez]."

EARLY IN HIS career, Alvarez built a reputation for chasing risky fights. At age 20, he squeezed past Trout, a tricky southpaw who was virtually unknown. Months later, in September 2013, Alvarez challenged his predecessor as boxing's top star, "Money" Mayweather.

Alvarez was still developing and not in his prime yet, but he was already a star. Still, he made weight concessions (a catchweight of 152 pounds) to land the career-best opportunity with Mayweather and was soundly dominated. Alvarez later credited that junior middleweight title fight defeat as a learning experience that would carry him to the top of the sport, and keep him there.

It was another nine years until Alvarez would lose again. He found himself in a much different position but nonetheless pursued the more challenging matchups. Rather than defend his four 168-pound titles vs. Jermall Charlo, a middleweight, Alvarez elected to challenge Bivol for his 175-pound championship in May 2022.

Like Trout, the Russian boxer possessed talent that far exceeded his profile. Bivol went on to rout Alvarez in a fight that knocked Alvarez from his pound-for-pound perch. That's why, it appears, Alvarez has no problem saying no this time around to Benavidez.

He absorbed criticism for the setback despite it being just his second fight at 175 pounds. The loss still eats at Alvarez; Canelo told ESPN he remains interested in a Bivol rematch at light heavyweight.

"Everybody say 'no, it's an easy fight,' but I knew [Bivol] was a really good fighter and another weight class," Alvarez said. "So I take my risk. And I always fight with every single fighter ... and I always prove myself there and I always prove [to] everybody. But not anymore. I'm tired of that because it's never is going to be enough for them. I'm going to do this for me, for my people and that's it."

Indeed, fans will always lobby to see another new fighter land the Alvarez matchup. That's the nature of boxing when you're the top star. It's with good reason that an Alvarez-Benavidez fight is so highly anticipated.

"I think it is a different era for me," Alvarez told ESPN last month. " ... If you see my history, it's always somebody else [fans want me to face] when I have a fight. ... Right now with Benavidez. It's always there. So I don't really focus on that anymore because it's never going to be enough for some people."

"I always fight the best out there and I'm happy with my career and I'm in a position [where] I can do whatever I want because I fight for it," he added. " ... I sacrifice myself and ... I deserve this position because of everything I did before."

Alvarez still appears near the peak of his powers following a pair of dominant victories last year over John Ryder and Jermell Charlo. Alvarez broke Ryder's nose in a Mexico homecoming last May, and four months later outboxed Charlo, who refused to engage. Canelo floored both opponents.

David Benavidez, left, ESPN's No. 2-ranked super middleweight, has been clamoring for a fight against Canelo Alvarez. David Becker/Getty Images

Benavidez, too, enjoyed a banner 2023 in what amounted to a breakout campaign. In March, he outpointed Caleb Plant, whom Alvarez stopped in November 2021, and TKO'd Demetrius Andrade in November. Benavidez doled out brutal beatings in both bouts, raising the volume on the calls for a summit meeting with Alvarez.

"I'm not going to be waiting on Canelo," Benavidez told ESPN in March. "After I fight Canelo, my career doesn't end. It's frustrating, but it gives me a bad name at the end of the day, too. ... The reason why this fight is not happening is because Canelo doesn't want it to happen, plain and simple."

There's little doubt Benavidez -- a volume-punching machine with power in both hands -- would present a dangerous challenge. He's much bigger than Canelo, for one. Alvarez won his first title at 154 pounds and is 5-foot-8. Benavidez is 10 years younger, 36 fights fresher and is a career 168-pounder at 6-foot-2 with a 4-inch reach advantage over Alvarez.

When he couldn't entice Canelo into the ring, Benavidez moved up to 175 pounds for a June 15 bout with former champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk.

Canelo Alvarez, right, defeated Jermell Charlo, who moved up two divisions for the fight, by unanimous decision in late September. EPA/ETIENNE LAURENT

WHEN ALVAREZ SIGNED a three-fight deal with PBC last June, hope grew that the move would lead to an eventual clash with Benavidez, a longtime PBC boxer. Alvarez went on to face Jermell Charlo in the first fight of the deal, with plans to meet his twin brother in the second bout of the agreement on Saturday. But after Jermell's listless performance, the fight against Jermall became a hard sell.

"What Jermell did in the last fight is not going to be good for the eyes on the people," Alvarez said. "It's going to be the same guy. Oh, his brother did a really bad fight. And I think this fight with Munguia is better than the Charlo fight. I think he deserved the fight. He win good fights, he improve a lot and he's very respectful to me. So I think he deserve it more."

As Canelo advances to the latter part of his career, respect appears more important to him than ever before. He's always shown respect to his opponents, and isn't looking to reward fighters, he said, who don't reciprocate. He laughs at the thought he should punish disrespectful fighters by gifting them the career-high payday that accompanies a shot at the sport's top star.

"Let me beat you, give you big-money payday," Alvarez said mockingly. "No, not anymore. ... Respect is important. And I know it's a fight, but when I fight, I fight with a lot of fighters who talk a lot of s---, talk a lot of things, and they don't do s--- in the ring."

Plant earned a career-high $10 million, and Munguia will exceed that amount. Benavidez has never earned more than around $3 million. Alvarez isn't concerned with critics at this stage, especially his former promoter-turned-rival. De La Hoya offers a unique perspective as a fighter who starred atop the sport -- from his 1992 Olympic gold medal win to his final fight against Pacquiao in December 2008.

"The way I saw it was whoever I have to fight, and he's the best, I fight," De La Hoya said. "I didn't worry about no payday [for the opponent]. I always put my legacy first. What is it going to take for me to get to the top? What is it going to take for me to be considered the best? Well, I have to fight the best."

Jaime Munguia, left, and his promoter, Oscar De La Hoya are very confident they can beat Canelo Alvarez. Cris Esqueda/Golden Boy/Getty Images

MUNGUIA MIGHT BE a consolation prize in Benavidez's absence on the right side of the marquee, yet it's still an anticipated matchup, especially for Mexican fans. Munguia represents Alvarez's first countryman foe since Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in May 2017.

Canelo has long said he doesn't wish to fight fellow Mexicans but made an exception for Munguia. "This is history for Mexico because it's the first time two Mexicans, they going to fight for four belts."

"Munguia is a really good fighter," Alvarez added. "It's a young fighter who throws a lot of punches, who is strong, who is hungry. So it's a risk for me."

A risk, perhaps, but a small one compared to the perils of fighting Benavidez.

"Fighters usually know, absolutely," De La Hoya said. "... There's a tiny fear in every fighter. There has to be. Even Mike Tyson will say there's a tiny fear, and that fear is always losing. [Benavidez is] a younger guy, he's the bigger guy, he's fast, he's strong, he throws a lot of punches. See anybody throwing punches and punches will be a problem for Canelo at this point of his career. ... He'll get knocked out. He will get beat.

"Obviously he's a businessman," he added. "That's exactly what he is at the fourth quarter of his career ... and there's nothing wrong with that, but at least have some balls to fight the best guy in front of you."

Alvarez will head into Saturday's fight looking to maintain his undisputed super middleweight championship, his No. 4 spot on ESPN's pound-for-pound list and, most of all, his ironclad claim as the face of boxing.

A win over Munguia likely won't come as easily as his two previous victories. After all, Munguia is fresh, strong, unbeaten and determined to dethrone a man he's long dreamed of fighting.

The former junior middleweight titleholder is coming off a career-best victory, a ninth-round TKO of Ryder in January. Munguia's previous outing was named ESPN's 2023 Fight of the Year, a bout against Sergiy Derevyanchenko where a final-round knockdown earned Munguia the decision.

It's also a full-circle moment for Munguia. As a 21-year-old, he agreed to replace Alvarez following his PED suspension and fight GGG, only for the Nevada commission to decline approval, citing Munguia's inexperience. Six years to the day later, Munguia has his life-altering opportunity, and he's much more prepared for the shot.

"Working with the legend Freddie Roach has really motivated me," Munguia said last month following a workout at Roach's Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, California. "He has my confidence very high and ... he's brought a lot of peace and tranquility to my corner."

Canelo is at peace, too. At peace with his legacy, his standing in the sport and, most of all, his freedom to fight whomever he pleases.

"I just want to do whatever I want and put obviously really good fights out there," Alvarez said. " ... I think when you deserve it, when you did everything, when you fight with everybody, when you do the correct things, I think you can do whatever you want."

- Mike Coppinger, ESPN

DAVIS VS. MARTIN | BENAVIDEZ VS. GVOZDYK

 

WHY IS CANELO FIGHTING MUGUIA? WHAT ABOUT BENAVIDEZ? CHARLO?

Super middleweight undisputed champion Canelo Alvarez, above, will fight Jaime Munguia on May 4 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Sarah Stier/Getty Images

 The latest winner of the Canelo Alvarez sweepstakes is Jaime Munguia, who beat out Jermall Charlo and Edgar Berlanga to land a May 4 fight in Las Vegas against boxing's top star. With that fight comes a chance at boxing championship glory, and of course, the biggest payday of Munguia's career.

Munguia (43-0, 34 KOs) enters the undisputed super middleweight championship bout on the heels of a career-best performance, a ninth-round TKO victory over John Ryder in January. Munguia has improved greatly under the guidance of Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach.

And now he'll meet his countryman on Cinco de Mayo weekend. Canelo-Munguia is the first all-Mexican showdown for a title above 160 pounds.

How did Canelo (60-2-2, 39 KOs) select Munguia? What lies ahead for Canelo now that he's back in the fold with PBC for at least one fight? Let's dive into it:

Does Munguia have any realistic shot of beating Canelo?

Jaime Munguia, left, defeated John Ryder by ninth-round TKO in January. Cris Esqueda/Golden Boy/Getty Images

Munguia is a worthy opponent and arguably earned his shot after the way he defeated Ryder. In comparison, Canelo wasn't able to finish Ryder last May and went the distance, though he did break the Englishman's nose and handed him a comprehensive 12-round beating.

And there's little doubt that Canelo softened up Ryder for Munguia. Nonetheless, Munguia capitalized. His defense was his biggest flaw as he built up his record, a flat-footed pressure fighter who relied on power shots. But against Ryder, Munguia was far more defensively responsible.

He held his guard up tight and used his jab much more effectively in that fight in January. Munguia boxed on his toes more, too. He's come a long way since his days as a 154-pound titleholder and appears to be steadily improving with each bout.

Naturally, it's one matter to box with discipline against a fighter like Ryder, a world-class boxer who retired afterward. It's quite another to do so with success against one of the sport's elite.

While Munguia's defense is much improved at age 27, it's still a weakness. He's often wide open for countershots, which should make him an easy target for Canelo's power punches.

Canelo's hand and foot speed will be disparate, too, as is experience. Canelo has shared the ring with all-time greats such as Floyd Mayweather, Gennadiy Golovkin (36 rounds) and Miguel Cotto. Sixty rounds with those boxers alone.

Munguia's toughest opponent, meanwhile, was Ryder.

Munguia could find success early in the fight; he has the adequate size and strength to compete with Canelo. But once Canelo finds his timing against the slow-footed Munguia, he should be able to land his vaunted power-punch combinations at will, when Munguia's chin will be truly tested for the first time.

At 33, Canelo remains boxing's top star and is rated the No. 4 pound-for-pound fighter by ESPN. He opened up as a -650 favorite, per ESPN BET.

BENAVIDEZ SHOPS ANDRADE AFTER SIX ROUNDS, CALLS FOR FIGHT WITH SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMP CANELO R

AP Photo 

LAS VEGAS (AP) — David Benavidez retained the interim world super middleweight belt by stopping Demetrius Andrade after the sixth round Saturday night.

In what was billed as clash of styles that could go the distance between unbeaten 168-pounders, Benavidez (28-0, 24 KOs) looked more like a clinician with a dominating performance before Andrade’s corner requested the stoppage after the sixth round.

Andrade (32-1) suffered the first loss of his career.

Benavidez is widely recognized as the world’s best super middleweight after Canelo Alvarez. Immediately after his win he called for a match against Alvarez to unify the super middleweight title as an annouced gathering of 9,585 fans roared their approval.

BENAVIDEZ VS. ANDRADE | BOXING

 

DANNY GARCIA VS. JOSE BENAVIDEZ | 30 JULY