Saying Canelo Alvarez Is Scared of David Benavidez Is ”Nonsense”: Mayweather Promotions CEO Fires Back at Critics

Why hasn’t Canelo Alvarez fought David Benavidez yet? To get the anticipated fight rolling, the Jalisco-based fight has sought an exorbitant amount of $150-$200 million. However, many folks now believe that Alvarez’s high asking price is a red herring to avoid a fight with David Benavidez, the WBC Interim super middleweight champion.

Alvarez is currently preparing for his multi-million dollar fight against his Mexican counterpart, Jaime Munguia, on May 4th. While that was one fight that his fans desperately sought, especially after Munguia’s emphatic win over John Ryder, the call for the Benavidez fight never died down. ‘Roja’, too on multiple occasions has nodded in favor of this fight. However, Canelo has inched only further from this undertaking. Why?

“It’s Just Silly”

Mayweather Promotions CEO, Leonard Ellerbe, was asked if he thought Canelo was dodging 28-0, Benavidez. In response, surprised, he remarked, “But all this is nonsense in my opinion about Canelo scared to fight somebody. It’s just silly. It’s all about timing and everything. When that man wants to do what he wants to do, he’ll get it done. But fighters don’t be scared. Fighters aren’t scared. That’s just a fact.”

Where does his confidence in the undisputed super middleweight stem from? In 2013, his close aide and business partner, Floyd Mayweather, defeated a younger Canelo through a majority decision. Does that have anything to do with him speaking in favor of the fighter? “We got a lot of history together from that event. And I had a chance to talk to him post that event. You know, kind of lift his spirits up. He’s been a solid guy, all along. And a terrific fighter.”

Leonard Ellerbe is right about how Canelo has nothing to fear when it comes to fighting anybody. However, it is also further interesting to note why the fighter has sought $150-200 million for a fight against Benavidez.

Why did Canelo Alvarez Demand the Big Bills?

While he justified the massive amount he’s demanded to fight Benavidez, he also specified that he hasn’t received an offer from the latter’s side. He explained, “Maybe, who knows, but he didn’t bring anything to the table for me. But no, never, never, never, never an offer was received. Not that I know of, and I know everything.”

The 33-year-old, speaking to the media, revealed, “He brings nothing to the table for me. He just brings 25 pounds more on the fight that night, and that’s it. He’s nothing to offer me money. I’m the one. If a promoter comes to me and offers me 150 or 200 million, I fight tomorrow. That’s the reason I fight with him because the only thing he brings to the table is 25 more pounds…”

To put things in perspective, the highest payday in boxing history has gone to Floyd Mayweather for his 2017 Conor McGregor fight, in which he earned $275 million. Do you think Canelo deserves the massive cheque he’s demanding to fight David Benavidez? Let us know in the comments section below.

Also Read: “There’s a Way to Beat Canelo…”: Admitting Terence Crawford’s Canelo Alvarez Dream as ‘Possibility’, Heavyweight Legend Lennox Lewis Details How the 2X Undisputed Champion Should Fight Against the Mexican