David Benavidez hasn’t minced words when it comes to Canelo Alvarez’s staggering demand of $200 million to accept their anticipated grudge fight. Despite Benavidez’s persistent call-outs, Alvarez has remained unmoved and seemingly uninterested in entertaining talks of a showdown with his long-term rival.
Following Alvarez’s recent dominant victory over Jaime Munguia, which reignited calls for a clash with Benavidez, the undefeated challenger expressed his disbelief at Alvarez’s exorbitant demand. Benavidez asserted that nobody would be willing to shell out such an astronomical sum for their bout.
In an interview with 210 Boxing TV, Benavidez stated, “Nobody’s going to give $200 million for that. If somebody can come up with $200 million, we’ll make a gofundme account, maybe we’ll get it, but as of right now, nobody’s giving $200 million for that fight.”
Benavidez further criticized Alvarez, suggesting that the pound-for-pound superstar is running out of excuses for avoiding their showdown. He pointed out the irony of Alvarez dismissing his worth while simultaneously demanding such a hefty purse.
Although Benavidez still holds mandatory status for Alvarez’s WBC belt at 168lbs, he is set to move up to 175lbs for his next outing against Oleksandr Gvozdyk for the WBC interim light-heavyweight belt. This shift in weight class could potentially open the door to a fight at a new weight category.
Despite Benavidez’s team claiming a $55 million purse offer had been made to Alvarez, the demand for $200 million seems highly improbable to materialize. While Alvarez had hinted at a possible showdown with Benavidez following his recent win, the likelihood of such a lucrative agreement remains uncertain.