Does Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez have a say in choosing his next opponent? If he does, can he brush aside the fans’ demands? What about the WBC’s mandatory challenger? These questions have bugged boxing fans and are hotly debated by pundits. Julio Cesar Chavez has already picked his side.

As the Cinco de Mayo clash fast approaches, speculations about the Mexican champion’s next challenger are gaining traction. While David Benavidez waits in the ranks, rumors of Jermall Charlo moving up and challenging for the undisputed super middleweight crown are being floated. But is it up to the WBC or the champion himself to make the call?

Julio Cesar Chavez comes in defense of Canelo Alvarez

“No, this one, well, whoever it is. It is going to be a good opponent for Saul,” ‘J.C. Superstar’ told Fight Hub TV. When asked whether Alvarez was running away from ‘The Mexican Monster’, he replied, “Well, [I] don’t know if he’s running from Benavidez. I think a fighter doesn’t run from any fighter.”

However, the 61-year-old believes the fight with Benavidez will happen and everyone will have their wish fulfilled. But that call is not anyone else’s but Alvarez’s. He continued, “I think sooner or later, there is going to be that fight with Benavidez. And it’s the match everyone wants to see, right? But it no longer depends on me. It depends on Saul.“

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Moreover, the former Mexican boxer opines that Alvarez has earned his right to fight whoever he desires. “He is within his rights to fight whoever he wants; you know what I mean?” Chavez added. While the WBC can officially declare an official challenger, the final decision rests with the champion.

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“In other words, it’s up to the organization to decide to adjust it. If they want, if there is an official challenger, as they are required to. But everything depends on him,” Chavez concludes. Meanwhile, the WBC has recently specified its intention to intervene and wait till Alvarez’s camp announces the opponent for May.

The WBC is ready to make its move

WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman is open to the possibility of forcing Alvarez’s hands and declaring Benavidez a mandatory challenger. He is willing to give both sides opportunities to negotiate and come to common ground. “We will see what happens for May, and then the WBC can intervene.” Sulaiman declared.

While Benavidez has held the interim title for almost 2 years now, Jermall Charlo is envisioned by the PBC as the next fight for Alvarez. The latter will ride on the hype of a revenge storyline, despite only ending his 3-year layoff against Jose Benavidez Jr. last November.

Read More: “He’ll Do Anything to Stay Away”: Jose Benavidez Sr. Calls Out “Scared” Canelo Alvarez for Avoiding David Benavidez Fight, Demands Sanctioning Bodies to Be Fair

What do you make of these comments by Julio Cesar Chavez? Do you believe Canelo Alvarez is running away from David Benavidez? Let us know in the comments below.