The fight between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford, with an estimated purse of $200 million, is getting closer and closer.
However, the discussion in recent days has not focused on sports, but on the relationship of the Mexican champion with the World Boxing Council, which has once again ignited the debate about privileges, rules and justice in boxing.
The fight between Canelo and Crawford promises to be one of the most lucrative in recent boxing history, so it seems inevitable that the focus is not only on the sporting side, but also on the criticism of the WBC for its handling of the Mexican’s opponents.
For years, the body chaired by Mauricio Sulaiman has been singled out for giving preferential treatment to Canelo Alvarez, as he is a media figure who guarantees audiences and large revenues.
This perception has grown after the absence of a showdown with David Benavidez, the mandatory super middleweight challenger, who never received a direct opportunity to face the undisputed champion.
Juan Manuel Marquez questions the impartiality of the WBC
Former world champion Juan Manuel Marquez raised his voice in an interview with ProBoxTV, assuring that boxing loses credibility when fighters choose their opponents without respecting the ranking processes.
“When a fighter decides who he faces, sporting justice is violated,” said Marquez, accusing Canelo of an “unfair decision” that affects those who have earned their place in the ring.
Mauricio Sulaiman defends Saul Canelo Alvarez
In the face of this criticism, Mauricio Sulaiman did not hesitate to defend the Mexican, pointing out that Canelo has always acted in accordance with the regulations, arguing that there is no partiality towards him.
Canelo has been a world champion for 14 years, has beaten 21 champions and has always respected the rules. There is no favoritism, these are facts
“Don’t be so envious, Juan Manuel,” said Sulaiman, pointing out that Canelo Alvarez’s career speaks for itself, as he has been champion for 14 years and has defeated 21 champions, all always under the rules.
David Benavidez joins criticism of Canelo Alvarez
Another key name in this discussion is David Benavidez, who before moving up to light heavyweight criticised the lack of opportunities against Alvarez.
“I definitely earned the right to fight for the title. It’s not fair that I’ve never been given the opportunity in three years,” the American-Mexican told Fight Hype.
Despite being the mandatory challenger, Benavidez never received the official order to face the champion, which reinforced the perception of unequal treatment within the organization.
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