Canelo Alvarez, the Undisputed super middleweight champion, is demanding a staggering “$150-200 million” for a potential fight against David Benavidez. This astronomical sum far surpasses what any American promotional companies are accustomed to offering, making it a tough ask for any potential promoters. The sheer magnitude of this financial demand is bound to leave Benavidez feeling dissatisfied and the promoters reeling.
Canelo justifies his financial demand by pointing out that the money being offered to him for the Benavidez fight is only a mere $25 million more than what he would earn for fighting any other opponent. This insistence on a hefty paycheck showcases the level of risk that Canelo associates with facing a formidable opponent like Benavidez. The mammoth $150-200 million figure is a clear indicator of the scale of the challenge that Canelo envisions in this potential matchup.
Drawing a parallel with Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s massive $300 million earnings from his 2015 fight against Manny Pacquiao, Canelo’s financial demand doesn’t seem entirely unreasonable. Mayweather’s precedent of commanding such exorbitant sums justifies Canelo’s desire for a substantial payday in exchange for taking on a younger, top-tier opponent like Benavidez.
The high stakes for Canelo in this scenario are apparent, especially considering his upcoming fight against Jaime Munguia on May 4th. A less-than-satisfactory performance in this bout could jeopardize Canelo’s chances of securing the hefty purse he seeks for the Benavidez fight. The pressure is on for Canelo to deliver a convincing victory and maintain his position as a lucrative draw in the boxing world.
Canelo views a showdown with Benavidez as one of the most significant matchups in the sport, surpassing even the much-anticipated British heavyweight clash between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. The potential global appeal of this fight underscores its importance in the boxing landscape, with Canelo aiming for a spectacle that resonates with fans worldwide.
Canelo Alvarez’s eye-watering financial demand for a fight against David Benavidez highlights the financial complexities and high stakes involved in elite-level boxing matchups. As the negotiation process unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Canelo’s ambitious ask will be met, or if alternative arrangements will need to be considered to bring this blockbuster fight to fruition.