As the boxing world eagerly anticipated a potential rematch between Canelo Alvarez and David Benavidez, new developments have emerged. Despite fans' hopes for this encounter, recent contractual commitments by Alvarez have sparked criticism. The former four-division champion Mikey Garcia commented on Alvarez's lucrative deal with Saudi Arabian promoters, suggesting that financial incentives are guiding his fight choices. This has led to questions about the quality and risk level of Alvarez's upcoming matches, especially against opponents like Terence Crawford and William Scull. Garcia acknowledged Alvarez's significant earnings but questioned whether he would take on high-risk fights in the future.
Critics argue that Alvarez's recent performances, including his loss to Dmitry Bivol and subsequent matches, have been underwhelming. Meanwhile, Garcia expressed a preference for Benavidez in a hypothetical matchup, noting his recent impressive performance. Despite the criticism, Garcia also recognized Alvarez's contributions to the sport, acknowledging his right to choose his opponents.
The Financial Motivations Behind Alvarez's Fight Choices
Mikey Garcia's commentary on Canelo Alvarez's career decisions has brought attention to the financial aspects driving his fight selections. With a multi-million-dollar contract secured through Saudi Arabian promoters, Alvarez appears to prioritize lucrative opportunities over potentially challenging matchups. Garcia pointed out that while Alvarez could face formidable opponents, his recent choices reflect a focus on minimizing risks for maximum financial gain. This strategy has drawn both praise and criticism from observers within the boxing community.
Garcia elaborated on how Alvarez's current trajectory aligns with securing substantial earnings rather than pursuing high-stakes bouts. He noted that Alvarez's income from recent fights is estimated between $40 and $50 million per match, accumulating to an astounding $200 million or more over the past five to six fights. This financial success has raised questions about whether Alvarez will continue to opt for safer, less risky matches. Garcia's perspective highlights the tension between commercial interests and competitive integrity in professional boxing. Fans and critics alike debate whether Alvarez should prioritize legacy-building fights over financially advantageous ones. Ultimately, Garcia suggests that Alvarez's approach is understandable given the immense financial rewards at stake.
Evaluating Alvarez's Future Opponents and Performance
The speculation surrounding Canelo Alvarez's next opponents has intensified, particularly with the mention of Terence Crawford and William Scull. Crawford, a two-division undisputed champion and long-standing pound-for-pound top contender, represents a significant challenge. On the other hand, Scull holds the IBF super middleweight title, though his acquisition of this title remains controversial. Garcia's comments suggest that Alvarez may be steering clear of higher-risk fights, opting instead for matches that promise substantial financial returns without the associated dangers.
Alvarez's defeat by Dmitry Bivol in 2022 marked a turning point, leading to a series of matches that have not met public expectations. Garcia observed that Alvarez's performance after the trilogy with Gennady Golovkin was less impressive, further fueling debates about his strategic choices. In a hypothetical scenario involving a clash with David Benavidez, Garcia leaned towards Benavidez as the likely victor, citing his recent dominant performance against David Morrell. Despite the criticisms, Garcia acknowledged Alvarez's contributions to boxing, emphasizing that his success and influence warrant respect. This balanced view underscores the complex dynamics shaping Alvarez's career path, balancing commercial interests with competitive challenges.