Canelo Alvarez’s price tag of 150-200 million for a fight against David Benavidez may have backfired. The Saudis chose to ignore that demand and focus on the cheaper alternative of ‘The Mexican Monster’ fighting the Dmitry Bivol vs. Artur Beterbiev winner.
Saudi Arabia: Savvy Shoppers
Talksport reports that His Excellency Turki Alalshikh feels it’s more practical to match Benavidez against the Bivol-Beterbiev winner, which some could be construed as a signal that they don’t wish to meet Canelo’s $150-200 million asking price.
The Saudis are getting a much better bargain by matching Beterbiev against whoever emerges as the victor of the Bivol vs. Beterbiev contest.
Essentially, Canelo is asking for King’s Ransome with that amount. Canelo May have priced himself out for the Saudi dough, and he might have ruined his chances in joining in on high-paying events in the Kingdom.
Canelo’s Chance to Backtrack
Canelo may have misjudged the Saudis’ willingness to meet his financial demand for the fight against Benavidez. Obviously, it’s not too late.
Canelo can always post a message on social media, letting the Saudis know that he’s willing to take considerably less to face Benavidez, and perhaps they might view this overture as a signal that he’s regretting his initial sky-high financial demand.
As long as Canelo shows his willingness to negotiate his fee downard, he can still pick up a big Saudi bag.
Alalshikh wants to match Benavidez (28-0, 24 KOs) against the winner of the June 1st fight between IBF/WBC/WBO light heavyweight champion Beterbiev and WBA champ Bivol. Those two are meeting in a four-belt undisputed championship in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of a huge card.
The Gvozdyk Gamble
It’s unclear at this time if Benavidez’s plans on fighting Oleksandr Gvozdyk in a WBC light heavyweight title eliminator will still be taking place in June on the undercard of Gervonta Davis vs. Frank Martin.
There’s enough time for Benavidez to make a fast turnaround to fight the Bivol-Beterbiev winner in December, but it’s risky for him to face a big puncher like Gvozdyk ahead of an important clash like that.
For the Saudis to be planning on matching Benavidez against the Bivol-Beterbiev winner in December, they’re assuming that he’s going to be victorious against Gvozdyk, and may be a mistake. Gvozdyk has talent, size, and power to defeat Benavidez potentially.