The potential matchup between Canelo Alvarez and David Benavidez is still in the cards according to former Showtime executive Stephen Espinoza. Despite the Mexican star’s upcoming fight against Jaime Munguia on May 4th, Espinoza believes that the possibility of a showdown between Canelo and Benavidez is not completely off the table.
Financial Challenges for PBC
One of the main hurdles in making this fight happen is the significant amount of money that Canelo is demanding. With a price tag of $150-200 million, it is unclear whether Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) will be able to meet this figure. Espinoza acknowledges the financial challenges that come with securing such a high-profile bout and it remains to be seen where the funds will come from.
On the other hand, Saudi promoter Turki Alalshikh is reportedly exploring other options for David Benavidez. Instead of pursuing a fight with Canelo, Alalshikh is considering matching Benavidez against the winner of the June 1st bout between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. This decision is likely driven by the inability to meet Canelo’s asking price.
Canelo’s Focus and Consideration
Despite the challenges, Espinoza remains optimistic about the possibility of a Canelo vs. Benavidez fight. He believes that Canelo is still considering the matchup and that there is a chance for it to materialize in the future. With Espinoza now working with PBC, there is a strategic interest in seeing this fight come to fruition.
While the idea of a Canelo vs. Benavidez fight is enticing, it is important to be realistic about the challenges involved. Instead of fixating on this particular matchup, PBC should focus on finding viable alternatives to keep Canelo engaged. One suggestion is to match Benavidez against David Morrell Jr. or consider a move up in weight to face Jai Opetaia.
Potential Opponents for Canelo
In the meantime, there are other potential opponents on the horizon for Canelo. The mention of Terence Crawford as a possible opponent raises questions about the weight disparity between the two fighters. While Espinoza acknowledges Crawford’s track record, it may be a challenge to make this fight happen given the weight difference.
Overall, the possibility of a Canelo Alvarez vs. David Benavidez fight is still uncertain. While there are financial challenges and alternative options in play, the boxing world continues to speculate on what the future holds for these two formidable fighters. Only time will tell if this long-anticipated matchup will come to fruition.