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“That’s Mind Blowing”: Tim Tszyu Gives His Honest Opinion On The Canelo Alvarez And David Benavidez Situation

Published 03/25/2024, 11:40 AM EDT

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Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez might be the top name in boxing today. However, does that position allow him to ask for any sum of money he deems fit? As the debate about his exorbitant demand to fight David Benavidez continues, Tim Tszyu too chimed in, making some poignant points.

Canelo remains occupied in camp for his upcoming May 4 fight against Jaime Munguia. While that anticipated fight is finally taking shape, another fight, highly asked-for, against Benavidez seems distant away. Earlier, Canelo did not seem interested in it. However, when he did show some keenness for the undertaking, he sought a staggering $150-200 million in return. Like everyone else, Tszyu too, remains mind blown with the demand.

Is Canelo Alvarez Asking for Too Much?

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As he prepares for his March 30 title fight against Sebastian Fundora, ‘The Soul Taker’ was roped in for a quick conversation by the media. In it, he sought his response on Canelo seeking $150-200 million to fight Benavidez. Initially, shocked, and reluctant to comment, he joked, “Benavidez should also pay him right?” 

If Canelo’s demands were to be accepted and the fight went ahead, the massive sum he’s demanding wouldn’t be the only figure on his paycheck. Apart from the guaranteed $150-200 million, he would also receive a percentage of the PPV shares, making the amount even bigger. While his stellar run in the sport might justify the ask, it is still a lot, considering the magnitude of the fight.

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The Aussie fighter gave a plausible explanation as to why Canelo could demand that money. Still not agreeing with the ask, he noted, “I guess Canelo, he’s got that position that, he’s the number one man in boxing so he can say figures but like talking about figures, like that, that’s mind blowing.” The interview was documented on YouTube by Tha Boxing Voice.

Canelo has made his wants clear to make the Benavidez fight happen. But it seems like no one is ready to pour in that kind of money, despite calls for the fight intensifying each day. The newest kingpin on the block, HE Turki Alalshikh too seems to have given up on that fight. Instead, he’s exploring the “more practical” fight for ‘Roja’. 

The Mexican Monster vs. Who?

According to Michael Benson, Alalshikh is exploring a fight between 28-0, Benavidez and the winner of Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol. Their undisputed clash is all set to take course in Saudi on June 1st. However, there is a rematch clause etched in their contract, which makes it highly possible for a rematch between them. Despite that, HE is planning to make Benavidez and their winner fight in between those two clashes, somewhere in December.

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However, to get to that fight, the WBC interim Super Middleweight titlist, Benavidez will likely have to prove his mettle against Ukrainian fighter, Oleksandr Gvozdyk. The title eliminator will decide if the 27-year-old can completely strengthen the title under his name or not. Once that happens, it would be ideal for him to move up the weights and challenge the winner of Beterbiev vs. Bivol.

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Do you also think Canelo Alvarez vs. David Benavidez is a lost cause? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

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Written by:

Mohammed Shafiulla

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Mohammed Shafiulla is a Boxing writer at EssentiallySports. With a Master’s degree in Journalism from a reputed institute, Shafi has cemented his position as one of the astute observers of boxing at ES. One of the early supporters of Naoya Inoue, Shafi has covered his transition from a Japanese boxer with a niche fan following to a power-punching global boxing star.
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Edited by:

Snigdhaa Jaiswal