Mayweather Promotions CEO Dismisses Claims of Canelo Alvarez’s Fear of David Benavidez
David Benavidez is gearing up for his highly anticipated bout against Oleksandr Gvozdyk on June 15 at the MGM Grand, Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. This fight, co-headlining with the Gervonta Davis vs. Frank Martin match, is critical for Benavidez. However, the showdown he truly desires is against the undisputed super middleweight champion, Canelo Alvarez—a fight that seems elusive.
In rebuttal, the CEO of Mayweather Promotions adamantly declared, “One thing is for sure, I am not buying that bullsh*t that Canelo is scared of him. I am not buying that, it’s just a money thing”!
The $200 Million Sticking Point
Canelo Alvarez has set an astronomical price tag of $200 million for a fight with Benavidez, a figure that has stirred the boxing community. Many, including Benavidez, interpret this demand as a sign that Canelo is afraid of facing him. Benavidez has been vocal about his belief that Canelo is dodging a potential defeat, but not everyone buys into this narrative.
“He is a great businessman… he is a great role model” for the future generations, aspiring for a career in boxing. Underlining his conviction that Canelo harbors no fear, Ellerbe added, “He has done everything, you can ask of a fighter, he has fought everybody”.
Leonard Ellerbe’s Take
Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions, addressed this controversy in a recent interview with Fight Hub TV. When questioned about Canelo’s reluctance to fight Benavidez and the upcoming Gvozdyk bout—who happens to be Canelo’s former sparring partner—Ellerbe was unequivocal in his response.
“One thing is for sure, I am not buying that bullsh*t that Canelo is scared of him. I am not buying that, it’s just a money thing!” Ellerbe declared. He praised Canelo’s career, highlighting his willingness to engage with his American supporters and his efforts to communicate in English.
Canelo said, “If the money’s right … I can fight [Benavidez] right now. I don’t give a s**t. It’s only a matter of money at this point. Everybody is asking for everything”.
Canelo’s Business Acumen
Ellerbe lauded Canelo’s business strategies, calling him “a great businessman” and “a great role model” for future generations of boxers. He emphasized that Canelo has faced a wide array of top-tier opponents throughout his career, silencing critics with his impressive fight record. “He has done everything you can ask of a fighter; he has fought everybody,” Ellerbe noted, dismissing any notion that fear is a factor in Canelo’s decision-making.
![Canelo Alvarez](https://combatscoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Untitled-design-2024-05-06T122756.878.jpg)
Canelo’s Perspective
Following his recent victory over Jaime Munguia in April, Canelo addressed the speculation surrounding a potential fight with Benavidez. During the post-fight press conference, he confirmed Ellerbe’s assertion, stating, “If the money’s right … I can fight [Benavidez] right now. I don’t give a s**t. It’s only a matter of money at this point. Everybody is asking for everything.”
Canelo reminded the audience of his past opponents—Erislandy Lara, Austin Trout, Miguel Angel Cotto, Floyd Mayweather, Billy Joe Saunders, and Gennady Golovkin—fighters he was previously accused of avoiding but ultimately faced. “I can do whatever I want,” he proclaimed, reinforcing his position as one of boxing’s top decision-makers.
The Waiting Game
While Benavidez is preparing for his clash with Gvozdyk, the prospect of a fight with Canelo remains tantalizingly out of reach. Despite Ellerbe’s assurances and Canelo’s own words, the $200 million demand still looms large. Many fans and analysts are left wondering if the fight will ever materialize and whether Benavidez can back up his claims if given the chance.
Editor’s Insight
Oscar De La Hoya’s recent statements add another layer to this ongoing drama. As a key figure in boxing promotions, his insights into the sport’s financial dynamics are invaluable. De La Hoya’s involvement and commentary could influence negotiations and possibly expedite the much-anticipated Benavidez vs. Canelo showdown. This fight, if it happens, promises to be one of the most lucrative and exciting events in boxing history.
Conclusion
The discourse surrounding Canelo Alvarez and David Benavidez continues to captivate the boxing world. While Ellerbe’s comments provide a fresh perspective on Canelo’s motives, the financial hurdles remain. Whether or not the fight comes to fruition, the debate highlights the complexities of modern boxing, where business decisions often overshadow pure athletic competition.
As the anticipation builds, the world waits to see if Canelo Alvarez and David Benavidez will finally step into the ring, potentially reshaping the super middleweight division forever.