1. De La Hoya Slams Canelo Alvarez
Oscar De La Hoya has launched a scathing critique of Canelo Alvarez, accusing him of being “scared” to face David Benavidez. In a recent interview, De La Hoya expressed frustration over Canelo’s reluctance to engage in a high-profile bout with Benavidez.
2. Canelo’s High Price Tag: A Barrier to the Benavidez Fight
According to De La Hoya, Canelo is pricing himself out of a fight against Benavidez by demanding a staggering $200 million. This figure, De La Hoya argues, is a clear indication that Canelo has no intention of making the fight happen, undermining the potential excitement and financial rewards of such a matchup.
3. Benavidez’s Move to Light Heavyweight
Benavidez’s recent transition to the light heavyweight division further complicates the potential for a fight with Canelo. Despite the move, De La Hoya insists that a bout between the two fighters would be a significant draw, although it seems increasingly unlikely given their different weight classes.
4. Canelo’s Current Focus and Financial Concerns
Canelo’s current focus appears to be on securing a high-profile fight with the winner of the Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol bout, rather than facing Benavidez. De La Hoya argues that this shift in focus reflects a reluctance to engage in challenging matches unless they come with a substantial financial guarantee.
5. The Frustration of Promoters
De La Hoya expressed his dissatisfaction with the current state of boxing, where fighters are increasingly “pricing themselves out” of meaningful matches. This sentiment highlights a broader frustration within the sport about the lack of significant and competitive bouts.
6. Turki Alalshikh’s Role and Financial Capabilities
De La Hoya acknowledges the efforts of Turki Alalshikh, who is known for his willingness to invest in high-profile fights. However, Alalshikh has shown little interest in pursuing a Canelo vs. Benavidez fight, preferring instead to focus on other matchups, such as a potential fight between Canelo and Terence Crawford.
7. Canelo’s Arrogance and Demands
De La Hoya criticizes Canelo for what he describes as “arrogance” in his financial demands. By setting such a high price for a fight with Benavidez, Canelo is, according to De La Hoya, failing to prioritize the best fights for fans and the sport.
8. The Possibility of a Future Fight
While a Canelo vs. Benavidez fight may seem increasingly unlikely due to the weight class difference and financial issues, De La Hoya remains hopeful. He believes that if the right financial arrangements can be made, the fight could still be a possibility.
9. Canelo’s Legacy and Career Decisions
De La Hoya’s comments reflect concerns about Canelo’s legacy and the direction of his career. As Canelo approaches the later stages of his career, the decisions he makes regarding his opponents and financial demands could impact how he is remembered in the sport.
10. The Impact on Boxing’s Future
The ongoing debate over Canelo’s reluctance to fight Benavidez underscores a larger issue within boxing: the need for competitive and financially viable matchups. De La Hoya’s frustration is emblematic of a desire for more meaningful and exciting fights to shape the future of the sport.
