Former world champion Paulie Malignaggi does not have a problem with Canelo Alvarez taking on fighters that he wants to face.
Where the problems, though, revolve around it holding up the pursuit of the title.
Malignaggi, who held the IBF junior welterweight and WBA welterweight championships, is the latest to call out Alvarez for not fighting David Benavidez.
“When the mandatory somehow becomes the guy who makes your bagel down the street,” Malignaggi said on ProBox TV. “It’s the mandatory. His fans will jump on you. Jermell Charlo, when he was hot, he was the mandatory at middleweight. That fight was nowhere to be seen.
“Now, Benavidez is hot at super middleweight. He is the mandatory. That fight is nowhere to be seen.”
Alvarez, instead, will take on Jaime Munguia on May 4. The bout headlines the Premier Boxing Champions pay-per-view on Prime Video event from Las Vegas. The undisputed super middleweight title will be on the line.
“I don’t have a problem with Canelo doing what he wants,” Malignaggi said. “My problem is him doing it with the belt.
“Now, fights are nowhere to be seen. Nobody is ever going to step it up and step in there and do it.”
Canelo Alvarez ‘Defending My Undisputed Title Is Very Important To Me’
As far as Alvarez is concerned, Munguia is another challenger to his throne.
“Defending my undisputed title is very important to me,” he said during a recent press event. “This is all about making history. I want my legacy to be that I made history again and again. That’s what motivates me to keep defending my belts and giving great fights to the fans.”
However, many have challenged Alvarez on just that. Benavidez has said time and time again he wants to face him.
Instead, he will meet Munguia, a “respectful person and great fighter.”
“(Munguia) earned this fight again and again,” Alvarez said. “Everyone will see how great this fight is for Mexico on May 4.”
