Within the realm of boxing, pre-fight trash-talk and theatrics are frequently deemed standard protocol. From disparagements to personal attacks, fighters and their entourages frequently resort to any measures necessary to generate buzz for their forthcoming skirmishes. Nevertheless, a recent Twitter post about Canelo Alvarez’s statement has triggered uproar and discord among supporters.
The Mexican boxing champion alleged that Floyd Mayweather approached him when he was just 18 years old, with an offer to fight for a paltry $1 million, which he declined. Many fans are baffled by this information and wonder if Mayweather had his sights set on the young fighter all those years ago. Is Canelo’s assertion legitimate or just another ploy to promote a fight as the debate continues to rage?
Fan reactions on the claim made by Canelo Alvarez
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Canelo Alvarez, the current Unified Super Middleweight Champion and is one of the most impressive fighters of the modern era. Recently, Alvarez made headlines with his claim that he was offered a fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr. when he was just 18 years old for a $1 million purse. In a tweet by boxing journalist Michael Benson, Alvarez was quoted as saying, “They [first] offered me the fight when I was 18. $1 million. At that time I was earning $5,000. I was still getting the bus, I had three jobs. Eddy Reynoso said, ‘In a few years you will receive 10x that.’ That’s what happened.”
Canelo Alvarez on Floyd Mayweather: “They [first] offered me the fight when I was 18. $1million. At that time I was earning $5,000. I was still getting the bus, I had three jobs. Eddy Reynoso said, 'In a few years you will receive 10x that.' That's what happened.” [@DAZNBoxing]
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) May 1, 2023
This claim has received mixed reactions from fans. Some are skeptical of Alvarez’s statement, with an user on Twitter stating, “Big capping to sell a fight…nasty work,”
Big capping to sell a fight…nasty work
— ISO Hem (@JustPhilly__) May 1, 2023
While others suggested that Mayweather might not have even known who Alvarez was at the time, “I don’t even think Floyd knew who he was at 18.”
I don’t even think Floyd knew who he was at 18
— Boxingfan (@boxingfan1990__) May 1, 2023
There are also those who find the claim hard to believe, saying “I highly doubt Mayweather would’ve fought an 18-year-old.”
I highly doubt Mayweather would’ve fought an 18 year old. 🤷🏻♂️ 💯
— Rodney ‘Hands Of Stone’ Monge 🇲🇽 🇺🇸 (@HandsOfStonee) May 1, 2023
Another fan humorously suggested that Mayweather might have tried to fight Alvarez even earlier, at the age of 12.
Floyd wanted to get him real early. Cut the tree from the root. He tried to fight him at 12 but Canelo still had to go to school
— Alex (@Aletrlz) May 1, 2023
On the other hand, one fan was supportive of Alvarez’s claim. “That’s too funny Mayweather trying to eliminate the threat early.”
That’s too funny mayweather trying to eliminate the threat early
— Benji 🥊 (@JhusLeftarm) May 1, 2023
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This claim has reignited the debate over the long-standing rivalry between Alvarez and Mayweather and has given fans something to talk about.
Read More: Canelo Alvarez Felt Sorry After Sending Amir Khan to Shadow Realm
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So, what do you think? Do you believe Alvarez’s claim, or do you think it’s just a ploy to sell a fight? And how do you think early offers like this affect a fighter’s career? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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