David Benavidez is about to square off against Oleksandr Gvozdyk on June 15 at MGM Grand, Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas in the co-main event with Gervonta Davis vs. Frank Martin. However, the fight he is really after is against Canelo Alvarez, which he is unlikely to get in the near future! Why is that?

Well, the Mexican superstar had not too long ago demanded $200 million to make that fight happen. In response, Benavidez, among others, has suggested Canelo is afraid of losing the fight and that’s the reason behind his insane demand for the fight. However, CEO of Mayweather Promotions Leonard Ellerbe has refused to believe that Canelo is afraid of anyone in an interview with Fight Hub TV. 

Leonard Ellerbe claims the reason is money!

Speaking to Floyd Mayweather’s business partner, the reporter brought up Benavidez’s next fight against Gvozdyk, who was Canelo’s former sparring partner and is managed by Canelo’s trainer Eddy Reynoso, questioning whether this fight could lead to a showdown with Canelo himself. 

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”! Ellerbe further expressed his admiration for Canelo Alvarez, citing his efforts to communicate in English and his embrace of his American supporters as key factors. 

Later in the interview, Ellerbe lauded Canelo’s business acumen, stating, “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”.

Since his last demolition of Jaime Munguia in April this year, it’s unclear who will be on Canelo’s hit list next. However, even the Mexican superstar has claimed it’s not about being scared, rather it’s about the money!

Canelo Alvarez was ready to fight David Benavidez 

Despite what people are saying about Canelo refusing to fight Benavidez, after ‘Cinnamon’ defeated Munguia, he revealed the reality of the situation, which coincides with Ellerbe’s statement about Canelo. During the post fight press conference, 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”.

Highlighting his fights against Erislandy Lara, Austin Trout, Miguel Angel Cotto, Floyd Mayweather, Billy Joe Saunders, and Gennady Golovkin, Canelo reminded everyone that people had said the same thing about him not wanting to fight them, but he proved everyone wrong by taking those fights. Having accomplished a great deal in the sport, he solidified his position as the decision maker, stating, “I can do whatever I want”.

Having said that, still many would rather believe Canelo Alvarez is afraid of David Benavidez, but if the day comes when Canelo gets his $200 million demand fulfilled, it has the possibility of turning into the worst day for ‘The Mexican Monster’. What do you think? Is Canelo afraid? Will the Benavidez fight ever happen?