Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez’s loss to Terence Crawford continues to generate repercussions in the boxing world. At 35 years of age and with more than two decades of professional career, the Mexican boxer has accumulated an indisputable legacy: titles in four divisions, historic records and a fortune that places him among the highest paid athletes on the planet. However, the loss to the American once again opened the debate on whether the Mexican still has the competitive hunger that took him to the top.
One of those who did not hesitate to give his opinion was the legendary Roy Jones Jr., who in a video posted on his Instagram account was blunt: “To beat David Benavidez you need to be extraordinarily hungry, press him from round 1 to 12. If you are not hungry enough, just don’t waste your time, better finish your career.
A call for reflection
Jones Jr. recognized Canelo Alvarez as “an all-time great,” but stressed that he has already reached his ceiling.
He recalled that after winning the semi-complete title, the loss to Dmitry Bivol made clear his limits in heavier divisions.
For this reason, he questioned whether it is really worthwhile to continue in the ring when he has already won everything, including the respect of the fans and a fortune of millions.
The former boxer went further to insinuate that Canelo Alvarez’s motivation may have faded: “He’s made enough money and really has nothing more to prove.”
He proved himself as much as he could
Roy Jones Jr.
What about Benavidez?
Buzzy
For Jones Jr., the fight with David Benavidez seems inevitable due to fan pressure and the fact that both are Mexican.
However, he cautioned that the timing is not the best:
“It’s probably not a good fight right now, especially after the loss to Crawford.”
Canelo Alvarez is still under contract for two more fights in 2026, which suggests he doesn’t plan to retire anytime soon.
However, Jones believes that if he decides to continue, he must do so with full conviction and hunger for glory, otherwise he risks his legacy.
The 175-pound challenge
“El Monstruo” Benavidez and the light heavyweight division are shaping up to be the biggest challenge for the Mexican.
But his failed experience against Bivol in that category raises doubts as to whether he will risk it again.
A victory in that scenario, however, could silence his critics for good.
The truth is that Roy Jones Jr.’s opinion reflects the sentiment of many analysts:
Canelo Alvarez is still a great, but he is at a decisive crossroads.
Either you regain the motivation to face high-level challenges, or you listen to the voice of experience and think about retirement.
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