The recent four-belt unification match between Canelo Alvarez and William Scull has left the boxing community reeling in disbelief. After the bell rang, viewers expecting a thrilling showcase of skill and power found themselves grappling with a disheartening reality: this was no fight; it was a tepid affair that failed to deliver the excitement boxing fans crave. The comparison has been drawn to lackluster bouts of the past, such as the infamous Johnny Nelson vs. Carlos DeLeon fight of the 1990s. In both cases, the expectation versus the reality left fans disgruntled, questioning their commitment to the sport.
The bout was marred by an overwhelming display of caution, particularly from Canelo, who, despite his celebrated status, seemed either unable or unwilling to engage in aggressive exchanges. Scull’s strategy was more akin to evasion than competition, dancing away from Alvarez’s attacks rather than collaborating in a display of boxing mastery. It’s astonishing that in an era where fans desire to see fighters go toe-to-toe, many are walking away from events feeling baffled by the lack of palpable action.
A Promoter’s Perspective: Sampson Lewkowicz Speaks Out
Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz didn’t mince words when addressing the fallout from the fight. In defending the thrilling Naoya Inoue vs. Ramon Cardenas bout that took place shortly thereafter, he criticized Canelo directly, suggesting that the performance was simply unacceptable for someone of his stature. He didn’t stop there; Lewkowicz expressed concern for Alvarez’s safety should he ever face David Benavidez, another fighter with considerable promise and ferocity. This assertion leads to another undeniable truth: Canelo, once a hungry champion, may now be coasting on his prior achievements rather than engaging in the risks that define the competitive spirit of boxing.
Lewkowicz further lamented the investments made in high-profile events that ultimately deliver lackluster performances. It raises a crucial question: what are promoters truly paying for? If exorbitant sums only yield disappointments, perhaps a reevaluation of the matchmaking priorities is necessary, particularly when smaller events can capture the audience’s imagination without astronomical price tags.
Canelo’s Continued Relevance: A Dimming Spark?
The boxing landscape is shifting, and Canelo Alvarez is no longer the undisputed face of the sport; his lack of ambition and inability to engage in risky matchups is glaringly evident. Although he amassed staggering wealth over his career, one can only speculate about the impact of financial security on motivation. The grit and hunger that propelled him to the heights of his profession appear to be waning, replaced instead by a focus on financial gain rather than legacy building.
This further complicates the narrative around Alvarez, whose upcoming bout against the “too small” Terence Crawford undermines the very ethos of competitive boxing. One must consider whether this is a strategic play to secure an easier win or an indication that Canelo’s instinct for challenge has dulled. The disparity between Alvarez and fighters like Benavidez, whose determination is palpable, poses a troubling question for boxing aficionados: Is Alvarez still worthy of the attention he garners, or will he soon be overshadowed by a new wave of talent?
The Future of Boxing: Benavidez’s Ascendancy
David Benavidez stands poised on the brink of greatness, with the potential to inherit the mantle of boxing’s leading figure. With every passing bout, he becomes more of a threatening contender, and rumors of his clash with either Dmitry Bivol or Artur Beterbiev incite excitement throughout the sport. Unlike Canelo, he embodies a hunger that connects with fans and promises thrilling encounters. Should he successfully navigate the coming challenges, the torch of boxing’s top spot could very well pass to him—an eventuality that excites and intrigues.
Boxing fans are undoubtedly asking themselves: who will reign supreme as the face of boxing in the near future? Judging by current trends, it seems that if Canelo continues on this path of tepid performances and lack of engagement with genuine challengers, his reign could be short-lived. The time for reflection has come; boxing needs fighters who thrive on the thrill of the fight rather than those who seek refuge in undeserved glory. The stage is set; it’s anyone’s game.