via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 03: WBC/WBA/WBO super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez looks on during a news conference at MGM Grand Garden Arena on November 03, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Alvarez will face Caleb Plant on November 6 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 03: WBC/WBA/WBO super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez looks on during a news conference at MGM Grand Garden Arena on November 03, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Alvarez will face Caleb Plant on November 6 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
In the boxing world, there is enough excitement and drama outside the ring as much as there is inside. The Canelo-Benavidez saga is no exception. David Benavidez has been vocal, consistently calling out Canelo Alvarez and has been the mandatory challenger for almost 2 years. Yet, Canelo’s condition speaks volumes. Is he strategically dodging Benavidez? Critics say yes. Even Floyd Mayweather has chimed in, suggesting Canelo is avoiding Benavidez.
With every callout from Benavidez, the plot thickens. Fans are left wondering: will this fight ever happen? Or is it another case of what could have been? Benavidez eventually decided not to keep waiting and is set for his light heavyweight debut against Oleksandr Gvozdyk. Amidst this, Devin Haney offered a fresh take. But the question remains: Is Canelo really avoiding Benavidez, or is there more to the story?
Is Canelo Alvarez ducking or just pricey?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Canelo Alvarez set the boxing community abuzz with his staggering demand: $150 to $200 million to step into the ring with David Benavidez. “I would only consider fighting him if a promoter were to offer me 150 or 200 million dollars,” Canelo openly declared during an interview with Fight Hub TV.
View this post on Instagram
Meanwhile, Devin Haney weighed in on the controversy with his own insights. “I’m not gonna say that he’s ducking him, because we see Canelo’s resume. I can’t say he’s ducking anybody,” Haney stated, acknowledging Canelo’s illustrious career. However, he also added, “But is he in a rush to get in the ring with him? I don’t think so.” This nuanced take suggests that while Canelo isn’t actively avoiding Benavidez, he’s also not eager for the confrontation.
Moreover, Haney reflected on the financial demands. “He said that he want 150 million or whatever the case may be. But Samson also said that that’s a realistic thing. So we can’t say he’s ducking them,” Haney explained. This endorsement of Canelo’s price tag introduces a pragmatic angle to the saga, emphasizing the fight’s potential value and the realism behind Canelo’s request.
Read more: Canelo Alvarez’s $200 Million Ask To Fight David Benavidez Might Be the Dumbest or the Smartest Move
While Haney stands with Canelo’s demands, others have offered their POV on this situation.
The groundswell of support for Benavidez
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The wave of support for David Benavidez has reached a crescendo, with notable figures from within and outside the boxing world rallying behind him. Floyd Mayweather’s accusation stands out, as he directly claimed Canelo Alvarez is “ducking Benavidez.” This sentiment is echoed by rising star Curmel Moton, who boldly declares Benavidez “The real [Mexican] king,” emphasizing the fighter’s rightful claim to boxing royalty.
Further amplifying the chorus, MMA fighter Mike Perry voiced his support, remarking Benavidez has the “Strongest case. Fire Champ,” highlighting the fighter’s deserving position. This collective endorsement underlines a growing consensus: Benavidez is seen not just as a contender, but as a champion in waiting by peers and legends alike.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Will the voices of the community and the logic of economics align to finally bring these two titans into the ring, or will this remain one of the sport’s most tantalizing what-ifs? What do you think—is it time for Canelo to accept the challenge, or are his demands justified?
