David Benavidez has made no secret about his wish to fight former super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez and has even publicly discussed an offer allegedly made to Canelo for $5 Million that Benavidez considers unfair and false. Regardless, their bout has yet to take place but Benavidez remains persistent, recently sharing details regarding what could potentially be an insulting offer from Canelo which would leave both fighters feeling powerless to defend their title against one another.
Benavidez will fight David Morrell at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on February 1st in response to WBC’s inability to secure him an fight with Canelo as mandatory challenger. Recently speaking to Andre Ward about this offer – one that Benavidez believes wasn’t sincere enough – Benavidez discussed their offer which, from his viewpoint was never genuine or credible enough.
According to Benavidez, his interest in fighting Canelo began following Canelo’s second fight against Gennady Golovkin. Benavidez, aware of the weight class differences, foresaw a future confrontation. He suggests that Canelo’s reluctance to mention him or accept a fight may stem from pride or Canelo’s previous statements about not wanting to fight another Mexican. Eager for the bout, Benavidez revealed a staggering $70 million offer was made to Canelo to fight him, an offer he believes Canelo avoided.
Delving deeper, Benavidez explained how negotiations included a flat fee of $5 million for him, without pay-per-view shares, ahead of the Jaime Munguia fight—a proposition he accepted. However, he claims that after showing willingness, there was no further communication regarding the fight, implying that it was a strategic move by Canelo’s camp to avoid the matchup.
Benavidez also shared his opinions regarding a potential matchup between Canelo and Terence Crawford. Criticizing Canelo for choosing opponents that lack significant challenges, Benavidez labeled fighting Crawford one of Canelo’s toughest bouts labeling it as 50/50 matchup and saying this proves Canelo is aware of all risks if facing him in the ring.
Benavidez’s allegations paint an accurate portrait of Canelo Alvarez possibly dodging one of his toughest challengers to date; yet with only Benavidez having publicly commented so far on them and their possible impacts for both fighters’ legacies.