Canelo Alvarez Faces Backlash: Berlanga Brands Him “Scared” Over $200 Million Demands
In the boxing world, where every move is scrutinized and every decision sparks debate, Canelo Alvarez is now at the center of controversy. The unified super-middleweight champion is under fire for his staggering financial demands, with claims he’s pricing himself out of crucial fights. Alvarez is reportedly asking for a jaw-dropping $200 million for a potential showdown with Interim WBC super-middleweight champion David Benavidez and $150 million for a bout with two-division undisputed champion Terence Crawford. This move has not only frustrated fans but also angered one of boxing’s most influential figures: Saudi Arabian royal Turki Alalshikh.
In a heated interview with Fight Hub TV, Edgar Berlanga didn’t hold back his criticism of Alvarez. The Puerto Rican boxer, known for his fierce demeanor and candid opinions, has accused Alvarez of evading tough competition by demanding excessive purses. Berlanga’s comments have ignited a firestorm of discussion, questioning whether Alvarez’s demands are a strategic maneuver or a sign of fear.
“Scared or Strategic?”
Edgar Berlanga, known for his blunt assessments, tore into Canelo Alvarez’s stance, labeling it as a sign of weakness. Berlanga questioned Alvarez’s rationale for refusing to fight Benavidez, who has been a mandatory challenger for the WBC super-middleweight title for years. Canelo’s excuse that Benavidez’s habit of gaining 25 pounds after weigh-ins makes him a less appealing opponent did not sit well with Berlanga.
In an interview with Marcos Villegas, Berlanga dissected Alvarez’s reasoning, pointing out that both fighters compete in the same weight class and have the same opportunities to adjust their weights before the fight. Berlanga accused Alvarez of using this as a pretext to avoid a challenging bout, branding him as “the biggest pu**y in boxing” for his astronomical demands.
“He [Benavidez] brings nothing to the table for me. He just brings 25 extra pounds on the night of the fight,” Alvarez had told the media
Picking apart “scared” Canelo’s aforementioned reasoning, Berlanga argued to Marcos Villegas, “He is the same weight as you are… 168. What does it matter he jumps up 15-20 pounds, you jump up the same weight,”
Further laying it on Canelo, he said that the Mexican fighter made himself look like the “biggest pu**y in boxing” for trying to put an astronomical price tag of $200 million for fighting the ‘Mexican Monster’. Rubbing it in Canelo’s face, Berlanga concluded his Canelo expose’ by calling him “super pu**y” as he indicated that Canelo’s concern about Benavidez gaining “20 pounds” on fight night doesn’t classify as an excuse.
Alvarez’s Battle with Turki Alalshikh
The controversy doesn’t end with Berlanga. Canelo’s refusal to negotiate with Turki Alalshikh, who had proposed a fight against Terence Crawford in February, has added another layer of tension. Alvarez’s insistence on having the negotiations conducted “his way” has only aggravated the situation. Alalshikh, frustrated with Alvarez’s stance, has announced he’s moving on from the Canelo fight, focusing instead on other “bigger fights” for Crawford.
In a pointed message on X (formerly Twitter), Alalshikh criticized Alvarez for seeking “easy fights” and stated that he’s not interested in working with the Mexican champion unless he’s willing to compete at fair terms. This development has raised questions about Alvarez’s willingness to face top-tier opponents and whether his demands are indicative of a broader trend towards prioritizing financial gain over competitive challenges.
“He needs to do it my way, not his way,” Alvarez said during the press meet for his Edgar Berlanga fight on September 14. “I don’t like the way he talk and I’m in this position if he wants to work with me it is in my way.”
bigger fights, especially for the legend Crawford.” “Just wrapped up an important meeting now with my team, planning for the upcoming fights that we will make for 2024-2025. I decided to disregard the Canelo fight, as I don’t want it anymore,” Alalshikh wrote on X. Additionally, he hit back at Canelo Alvarez, stating that Canelo is only looking for “easy fights” which doesn’t fit into his grand plans of making “big fights at fair prices.”
Fan Reactions and Industry Impact
The boxing community has been abuzz with reactions. Fans and analysts are divided, with some defending Alvarez’s right to negotiate his worth while others echo Berlanga’s sentiment that these demands are a clear indication of fear. The situation has created a ripple effect, impacting negotiations and future fight plans across the boxing landscape.
One fan remarked on the drama, saying, “Is Canelo really scared of Benavidez, or is this just a negotiation tactic? Either way, it’s turning into a soap opera.” Another commented, “Canelo’s demands are out of this world. It’s like he’s trying to avoid a fight he knows will be tough.”
Editor’s Value:
This saga highlights the complexities of high-stakes boxing negotiations and the fine line between financial strategy and competitive spirit. Canelo Alvarez’s situation serves as a case study in modern boxing politics, revealing how financial demands can overshadow the sport’s core values of competition and skill. Berlanga’s outspoken criticism and Alalshikh’s shifting focus demonstrate the high stakes involved and the intricate web of relationships that influence major fights.
