Roy Jones Jr. believes the rumors of Canelo Alvarez’s demise have been greatly exaggerated.

In fact, “Captain Hook” is adamant the 33-year-old undisputed super middleweight champion Alvarez (60-2-2, 39 KOs) will have a performance Saturday night against Jaime Munguia (43-0, 34 KOs) that turns back the clock.

“He's still getting better as he goes,” Jones told BoxingScene. “If Munguia can survive the early rounds without taking too much damage, I think it can turn into a barnburner late. This is going to be a good fight, if Jaime gets past the early rounds.”

Alvarez is a -525 betting favorite and Munguia is a +380 underdog, according to DraftKings. 

The odds certainly wouldn’t be so skewed if Alvarez fought David Benavidez instead. But the former two-time super middleweight champion Benavidez can’t seem to get Alvarez to agree to a fight.

Alvarez has stated it would take up to $200 million to fight Benavidez, and that his rival brings nothing to the fight outside of 25 extra pounds on fight night. 

Alvarez is not even interested in a rehydration clause. He considers it a lose-lose situation because he feels he wouldn’t get the full credit if he beat Benavidez under those terms. 

When it comes to the elements of pay, the Hall of Famer Jones has no issues with Alvarez’s hefty demands.  

“Of course, I respect his decision,” said Jones. “He's the one who's put in the blood, sweat, and tears to get to where he's gotten. He's the name people want to see.  

“He's actually strategic in pricing himself out but he knows that the Saudis might do it. He's very smart in what he's doing. I don't blame him. He's doing the right thing. He's doing the smart thing. If people want to see it so bad, they'll have to pay him for it.”

Jones likes Benavidez’s chances against Alvarez if he ever secures a contract.

“David Benavidez is a hungry guy and it will take some effort to beat him,” said Jones. “Canelo has never been down, so Benavidez definitely has to outwork him. He has to evade Canelo's bombs. It's a great fight for both fighters, the classic boxer vs. the classic puncher. If Benavidez can take the punch, he probably can pull off the decision. But if he can't take the punch, Canelo will stop him late.”

One point of concern for Jones is for the 27-year-old Benavidez to live a clean lifestyle, especially as he prepares for a June 15 fight against Oleksandr Gvozdyk. 

Benavidez recently had an interview on TV while drunk during stablemate Diego Pacheco’s fight in Las Vegas. He later admitted to the error and apologized. 

“It's very important [to be a clean fighter],” said Jones. “You have to eat, sleep, and drink boxing. You're supposed to behave as a professional all of the time. 

“There is a time and a place for everything. If you're doing interviews, don't come in there intoxicated. He has to be very careful. It's giving his opponents confidence now and pouring gas on their fire. Everybody is looking at him because he's a champion. He has to look focused.” 

Manouk Akopyan is a sports journalist, writer, and broadcast reporter. He’s also a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and the MMA Journalists Association. He can be reached on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube at @ManoukAkopyan, through email at manouk[dot]akopyan[at]gmail.com, or via www.ManoukAkopyan.com.