Boxing is a sport rife with strategic maneuvers not just within the ring but also outside of it, where promoters and managers craft narratives and make calculated decisions for their fighters. Frank Smith’s aspirations for Dmitry Bivol to face Canelo Alvarez again exemplify this. While the allure of a rematch with Alvarez is undeniable—largely because it represents a potentially lucrative payday—one must ponder whether the focus on financial gain overshadows the necessity for Bivol to confront tougher opponents like David Benavidez. This raises essential questions about how fighters—especially those at Bivol’s skill level—navigate their careers when enticed by big-name rematches.
Sure, a bout with Alvarez comes with the promise of a bigger audience and richer rewards, primarily due to the fame that the Mexican champion carries. However, at what cost does this come? Bivol’s demonstrated superiority over Canelo in their last encounter on May 7, 2022, leading to a unanimous decision victory, raises doubts over whether a rematch would deliver the same favorable outcome. Canelo, at 5’8″, simply cannot compete against Bivol’s natural height and reach advantage. The landscape of boxing isn’t just about match-ups on paper; it’s also about style and how individuals adapt.
The Risk of Avoiding Challenging Fights
The looming shadow of David Benavidez cannot be ignored, yet it seems to be intentionally omitted from Bivol’s immediate plans. Benavidez, a fighter recognized for his exceptional ring mastery and volume punching, represents a threat that could undo Bivol’s championship ambitions in an alarming way. It’s a glaring irony that a fighter often known for seizing opportunities is now seemingly looking to avoid that harsh reckoning in favor of what some would call “easy money.”
From a sport perspective, this fight against Benavidez is also undeniably critical for Bivol. While the allure of sticking to a winning frequency is perfectly reasonable, it is perhaps risky to sidestep such a volatile style match-up. Losing is always a possibility in high-stakes boxing; however, the inevitable risks of a fight against Benavidez loom large. Benavidez presses fighters, making the possibility of a high-volume onslaught a very real threat, particularly against someone like Bivol who had a significant tactical advantage against Canelo in their previous bout.
Inbound talks of fighting cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia further complicate Bivol’s career trajectory. The thought of him moving up in weight, hoping to exploit advantages against smaller fighters, appears both bold and misguided. It could be reminiscent of a butterfly trying to transcend its caterpillar confines—an admirable attempt but fraught with potential dangers. Instead of aspiring to ascend further for a fleeting moment of glory or a chance to unify titles, focusing on defending his WBC achievements should take precedence. Given that Bivol worked tirelessly to secure his current titles, sidestepping obligations for grandiosity feels misguided.
Some boxing experts and fans may surmise that chasing Canelo for a rematch reflects not only Bivol’s confidence from their previous bout but also his attempt to solidify his legacy by defeating a megastar like Alvarez again. However, treading lightly carries the potential weight of future ramifications that may hinder his challenge for lifelong respect within the boxing community.
Grappling with this reality suggests a broader tension in the fighter’s mindset—should the desire for financial gain take precedence over embracing tough challenges that could lead to eventual greatness? While one can understand the business side of boxing, that should never eclipse a fighter’s motivation and bravery in facing adversity head-on. Bivol is undeniably a ‘special fighter,’ as Smith stated, but perhaps what makes him truly special is his willingness to rise to confront the hardest tests, not the biggest checks.
The future may remain uncertain for Bivol, with fights against both Alvarez and Benavidez possibly looming on the horizon. Yet, the paths he chooses will define not just his career but his legacy in the ring. Will he have the tenacity to embrace the fortitude required for higher stakes, or will he settle for the fleeting allure of rematches that offer little in terms of growth? The world is watching, and the fight game is not just about power but also about wisdom and the courage to challenge oneself against all odds.
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