Is Canelo’s ‘$200 Million’ Demand For Benavidez Realistic?

Canelo Alvarez has once again requested $200 million to fight David Benavidez. 

The Undisputed Super Middleweight Champion defended his title successfully with a unanimous decision win over Jaime Munguia. Benavidez was ringside as he and Canelo briefly interacted following the win. Benavidez was not surprised by the result. Alvarez was asked about Benavidez, saying the money had to be right.

Since then, he has been linked with fights against Edgar Berlanga and Jermall Charlo. Berlanga teased a fight by sharing a poster of him and Canelo for a fight in September. Charlo did state he would box Canelo next. However, his recent arrest for DWI and the WBC’s decision to strip his WBC Middleweight Title makes that unlikely. With the fans desperate for the Benavidez fight, Canelo has named his price. 

Canelo’s Demands

“The only thing I see is that Benavidez is 25 lbs or 30 lbs heavier than me on the day of the fight. I have no problem with that, but if he wants me to fight him, it’s $200 million,” Canelo said

Eddie Hearn, who has defended Alvarez in the past, has dismissed suggestions Canelo is ducking the Mexican Monster. Alvarez has fought top competition throughout his career. He has faced Floyd Mayweather, Caleb Plant, Miguel Cotto, GGG and many more. Since Canelo is 33, he wants to secure the biggest purses before he retires.

Since the WBC is not enforcing the mandatory nor stripping Canelo, Alvarez has been allowed to dictate terms. The Saudis can put up those numbers that Canelo wants. However, they are reportedly keen on making Canelo fight Terence Crawford. Alvarez may take that fight since Bud is less risky due to the weight difference. Hearn has backed Canelo, believing he will fight him soon for the right money. 

Hearn Reacts

“Canelo doesn’t think he’d get any credit for fighting Crawford. In my last conversation with Canelo, he told me that if he beat Crawford, people would just say: So what? You’re the bigger guy. You’re supposed to beat him. Canelo is just throwing some numbers out there, seeing if somebody will meet his price,” Hearn stated 

Benavidez has turned his attention to boxing Oleksandr Gvozdyk for the WBC Interim Light Heavyweight Title. A victory makes Benavidez mandatory for the winner of Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol. Benavidez has said he will move down for Canelo for a fight at 168. But there are worries Canelo wants to bide his time, so it is much more difficult for Benavidez to make the weight. There are also questions about whether Canelo should impose a rehydration clause. Benavidez has made it clear that he still wants Canelo. 

“The only fight I’m staying around at 168 is for Canelo. I’m done at 168. If not for Canelo, I’m not going down to 168. I was there for ten years at the pinnacle to fight for all the belts, and they didn’t give me the opportunity. So now we’re moving up too 175. But definitely, that’s a very lucrative fight, me and David Morrell. He’s the best with PBC, so let’s make it happen,” Benavidez said