Canelo Álvarez Downplays David Benavidez and His “May 5” Fight
The traditional Cinco de Mayo boxing date in Las Vegas will have a new headliner in 2026, but Canelo Álvarez made it clear he is not bothered by David Benavidez taking his spot while he recovers from injury and prepares for his return.
The boxing world grew used to seeing Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez headline the Cinco de Mayo and September cards for more than a decade, two of the most important dates for the Mexican market in the United States. That tradition will be broken in 2026. After undergoing surgery on his left elbow and suffering a defeat last September against Terence Crawford, the Mexican star decided to take a full year to recover and will not return to the ring until September, with a bout scheduled in Saudi Arabia.
That decision left one of boxing’s most valuable weekends open, a slot that was quickly taken by David Benavidez, who will face Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramírez in Las Vegas. Still, Canelo does not appear to be concerned about losing that spotlight.
“I Don’t Care Who Takes the Date”
In recent comments, Canelo Álvarez was blunt when asked about the fight replacing him in May. “I really don’t care who takes the date. Not in May. I need to recover my elbow. I’ll be fine in September,” he said, making it clear that his priority is to be fully healthy rather than fighting too soon.
For many fans, those words sounded like a dismissal of David Benavidez, one of the top names in the division. Although the “Mexican Monster” has long pursued a fight with Canelo, he will now settle for headlining the May card against Gilberto Ramírez, in what will be a crucial test for both fighters.
Benavidez Steps Into the Las Vegas Spotlight
With Canelo Álvarez out, David Benavidez now has a golden opportunity to establish himself as a marquee attraction. Facing Gilberto Ramírez on such a symbolic date is more than just another bout — it is a chance to prove he can carry the Mexican boxing torch in the U.S. market.
The May 2 card in Las Vegas promises an action-packed clash, as both Benavidez and Ramírez are known for their aggressive styles and crowd-pleasing approach. A win could open the door to even bigger fights down the road.
Canelo’s Return Is Already on the Calendar
Meanwhile, Canelo Álvarez is focused on what comes next. His comeback is set for September 12 in Saudi Arabia, although his opponent has yet to be announced. One name being discussed is Christian Mbilli, who was named interim super middleweight champion by the WBC following Crawford’s retirement.
