Benavidez Says Canelo Ducked Him After He Agreed To His Terms – ‘Just Speaks Volumes’
David Benavidez has claimed he agreed to take $5 million to fight Canelo Alvarez.
The fight looks no closer to getting made, especially since Canelo’s departure from PBC. Reports indicated that PBC wanted a $35 million guarantee for Jermall Charlo, only if he fought Benavidez afterwards.
That was the only way they could justify the guarantee since the Benavidez fight would have recouped them that money. But Benavidez was not part of the three-fight deal Canelo had initially as he walked away. But Benavidez has blamed Canelo for ducking him after stating he was willing to accept the minimum amount for the fight.
Benavidez On Canelo
“Him parting ways with PBC, even though this fight was on the table, it just speaks volumes. I’m not going to be waiting on Canelo. The reason why this fight is not happening is because Canelo doesn’t want it to happen, plain and simple. I don’t need Canelo. The only reason people fight Canelo is for a payday. I don’t care about money. I care about winning titles and giving the fans the best fights possible. The thing I cared about was the opportunity because I know once I beat him, that’s when the money comes,” Benavidez stated
Nevertheless, Canelo’s team have repeatedly stated that they never received an official offer for the fight. Eddie Reynoso went on to state that they would accept to take the fight if the terms were to their satisfaction. He also reassured fans that Canelo’s legacy would not be damaged by avoiding Benavidez.
Canelo is a four-division champion who has fought the best names, losing only to Floyd Mayweather and Dmitry Bivol. Despite this, the team Benavidez continued to stress that they had agreed to take the minimum. Jose Benavidez Sr. confirmed as much.
Benavidez Sr. Reacts
“I got a call from Sampson [Lewkowicz], and he said the camp for Canelo Alvarez wanted to take the fight [with David Benavidez], but the only way they would take the fight is if we would take the minimum, and I said. I said, ‘Sure, no problem. We were willing to take the minimum.
“David right now makes more money fighting other people than fighting Canelo Alvarez. I think everybody starts at 5.5 [million as a Canelo opponent], and plus they give PPV buys and all that. I wanted him [Canelo] to take all the money he could. He deserves it. He’s the face of boxing and the best at 168. He has all the belts, and he deserves to take everything. “We just wanted the opportunity to step in there and give the fans what they want. A good fight,” Benavidez Sr. added
But one thing preventing the deal is a clash of networks. Eddie Hearn revealed that Benavidez’s promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, wanted the US TV rights for the fight to be on Amazon Prime Video. That is understandable given the magnitude of the fight, and it would do well for PBC following their deal with the network. But since DAZN sees itself as a global boxing provider, there would have to be an arrangement to push the fight over the line.
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