Imagine dominating the sport for nearly two decades, climbing the ranks, defeating the best of the best, and still facing accusations of ducking an opponent out of fear. That’s exactly what’s happening to Mexican boxing legend Canelo Alvarez. All set for his upcoming fight against Edgar Berlanga, the 38-year-old boxing superstar has been repeatedly questioned about avoiding undefeated David Benavidez for a long time. Finally, the redhead powerhouse addressed it, dismissing the claims and saying Team Benavidez is just seeking attention.
Ahead of his fight with Berlanga, the Mexican boxing legend gave an interview to iFL TV, covering topics both related and unrelated to the battle. During the interview, he was pressed about the longstanding allegations that Canelo Alvarez is avoiding a matchup with Benavidez.
Given that Benavidez has been an unstoppable WBC title challenger with a 29-0 record, fans and pundits have one question: why isn’t Canelo fighting him? Is he afraid, or is there another reason? Replying to all of those, Canelo dismissed the claims, showing no interest in facing Benavidez and said they just wanted their attention.
In his words, “They (Benavidez team) can say whatever they want, but if they don’t talk with my name, nobody is going to look at them. So I get it. They need to speak my name to get the attention.”
It’s not the first time Canelo has brushed off the idea of a showdown with Benavidez, saying that the ducking allegations are just a way to get attention. Many wonder whether the fight will ever happen or if Canelo will keep avoiding “The Red Flag.” Nevertheless, the 38-year-old superstar has outlined a potential way to make the fight with Benavidez a reality.
Canelo Alvarez Claims $200 Million Would Make Benavidez Fight Happen
There is no doubt that undefeated Benavidez is a serious threat. His victory over Oleksandr Gvozdyk has cemented him as the next contender for Canelo. However, despite the hype following Benavidez’s win, it fizzled when it was announced that Canelo would face Edgar Berlanga instead. Since then, Canelo has faced criticism from figures like Oscar De La Hoya. Although he has dismissed the fight on numerous occasions, he has openly stated that he would only agree to it for a substantial paycheck, similar to what Floyd Mayweather received.
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He said, “I don’t need to prove anything to anybody. I remember when this happened with other people, and now it’s happening with Benavidez? But if some promoter I work with comes to me and says, ‘I’m offering you 150 or 200 million dollars,’ that would be the only reason I would fight him.”
Boxing is a lucrative sport with significant money on the line. Undoubtedly, if the hype reaches fever pitch, Canelo could potentially bank $200 million from the fight. However, it will be interesting to see if the hype will build up to that level or if Alvarez vs. Benavidez will become just another “what if.”
Also Read: Canelo Alvarez Welcomes “Opportunity For Revenge” Against Undefeated Floyd Mayweather
