The potential Canelo Alvarez vs. David Benavidez fight is up there with the most demanded fights in the history of boxing. Like Mike Tyson vs. Evander Holyfield or Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier. However, the Mexican superstar doesn’t seem to be in the mood to make that fight happen. So, many have raised the same question: is Canelo ducking Benavidez? Well, Devin Haney seems to have the answer.
Ever since the ‘Mexican Monster’ defeated Demetrius Andrade in November last year, he has been touted as the most dangerous opponent for the undisputed super middleweight champion. However, when Canelo was recently asked about that fight, he blatantly demanded a $150 – $200 million payout for it, which left many confident about Canelo’s aversion to the fight. However, Devin Haney doesn’t feel the same way, something he revealed in an interview with Fight Hub TV recently.
Devin Haney doesn’t think Canelo Alvarez is rushing to fight David Benavidez!
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Speaking to Haney, a reporter from Fight Hub raised the same question. Haney responded by stating, “I’m not going to say that he’s ducking him because we [have] seen Canelo’s resume.” He further added, “But is he in a rush to get in the ring with him? I don’t think so. I think he sees easier fights out there.” It’s worth mentioning that after Canelo defeated Jermell Charlo in September last year, the WBC confirmed Benavidez would be Canelo’s mandatory opponent, but nothing has come out of it yet.
Nevertheless, claiming Canelo is looking for easier fights, Haney explained Canelo won’t fight Benavidez until someone offers him the $150 million he demanded for the fight. “If that number is realistic, Benavidez, I think [is] one of the best in the sport right now. He’s on top of his game… That’s a fight that I would love to see,” said Haney. Meanwhile, David Benavidez has called out Canelo for his “bulls**t.”
David Benavidez claims Canelo’s $150 – $200 million demand is absurd
Seeing the Canelo fight slowly slipping out of his grasp, Benavidez made the decision to move up in weight and target the winner of Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol. If that fight happens and Benavidez comes out as the winner, he will become undisputed in that division. However, before that, he is in talks to fight Oleksandr Gvozdyk at 175 pounds in June. Meanwhile, during his appearance in the FreshandFit podcast today, he spoke about the Canelo fight.
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“Canelo is with this bulls**t, ‘He needs to be respectful.’ I’m not going to bow my knee to nobody because I’ve earned my shot for the belts,” said Benavidez. He went on to express his thoughts about Canelo’s enormous demand for making the fight. “The only reason this fight isn’t happening is because he wants 150 to 200 million, which is absurd. Not even the promotional company makes money like that,” said Benavidez.
Also Read: Canelo Alvarez Reveals Why He Broke His Infamous Vow for Jaime Munguia Fight
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Despite nearly the entire boxing world condemning Canelo Alvarez for avoiding a fight against David Benavidez, Devin Haney feels otherwise. Although it may have some truth, does it truly align with Canelo’s legendary status to deny the fans and a deserving challenger the opportunity to compete for the belts? Let us know in the comments below!
Read More: Canelo Alvarez Seemingly Calls Oscar De La Hoya Coward, Gives Final Verdict on David Benavidez Fight