Crawford: "Canelo Didn't Leave PBC Because of Me or Benavidez"

During a press conference at the Monterrey Boxing Academy in Puerto Rico, FightHype.com asked the WBO, WBC, and WBA welterweight champion (up to 147 lbs) Terence Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs) whether he thinks the undisputed super middleweight champion (up to 168 lbs) Saul "Canelo" Alvarez (60-2-2, 39 KOs) left Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) under Al Haymon to avoid a fight with him and the "interim" WBC champion David Benavidez (28-0, 24 KOs).

"I don't think that's true. I believe it's his personal reasons. Canelo and I have never been in negotiations for a fight. It's a fight I would accept without a second thought. But no, I don't think he left [PBC] because of me and David Benavidez. I just think he's managing his career as he wishes," Crawford stated.

The last time Crawford entered the ring was in July of the previous year against Errol Spence Jr. (28-1, 22 KOs), securing a victory by technical knockout in the ninth round. This win earned him the status of the first two-time undisputed champion in the four-belt era.

Saul "Canelo" Alvarez and the Mexican Jaime Munguia (43-0, 34 KOs) are close to finalizing a contract for a fight. The bout is scheduled for May 4th in Las Vegas.

In his previous fight in September of last year, Canelo unanimously defeated Jermell Charlo (35-2-1, 19 KOs) by judges' decision.