Golden Boy Promotions founder Oscar De La Hoya has openly voiced his criticism towards unified super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez. The widely acclaimed Hall of Famer chastised Alvarez’s financial demands of a whopping 200 million from David Benavidez for a potential face-off!
“De La Hoya DISSES AFRAID Canelo demand to Benavidez for 200 million!” screamed ol’ Golden Boy to the huddled reporters, as the world of professional boxing confronted yet another sensational bout of verbal bravado.
Alvarez, who is known arduously by his fans as the ‘Face of Boxing,’ has come under a cloud of scrutiny for his unconventional and, arguably, unfair negotiating practises. Many believe that the price tag Alvarez has placed on himself for this fight is an attempt to avoid a fight against Benavidez, considering the former WBC super middleweight champion’s undisputed dominance.
Taking to social media, De La Hoya blasted Alvarez for his alleged ‘cowardice.’ He challenged Alvarez to put his money where his mouth is and to confront the challenge head-on rather than playing mind games. “This wasn’t the sport I fell in love with, where fighters just fought, where the fear of losing was overshadowed by the thrill of winning. Boxing is about heart, not just about money,” De La Hoya scathingly posted on his Twitter handle.
The boxing fraternities worldwide are abuzz, as the incident has further accentuated the stark reality of the business aspect in modern boxing. While Alvarez’s impelling 200-million-dollar demand has raised eyebrows, it has also sparked a broader discussion about the evolution of the sport towards an enterprise-based model.
However, some pundits have argued that Alvarez’s financial demands are justified considering his stature in the sport. With a formidable record of 56-1-2 and a dizzying array of global titles to his name, Alvarez is indisputably one of the greatest athletes in the history of the sport.
Furthermore, while De La Hoya’s frustrations are understandable, it’s essential to take his statements with a pinch of salt. The former professional boxer and current promoter has an openly tumultuous relationship with Alvarez ever since their partnership break-up in 2020.
Despite all the drama, the fans worldwide would hope for an exciting fight between Benavidez and Alvarez. Benavidez has been calling out Alvarez for a face-off for a considerable period, and the fans can’t wait to see the two Mexican fighters settle their differences in the ring, rather than through public spats.
As the face-off negotiations continue, boxing enthusiasts globally, wait with bated breath for the conclusion of this high-stakes saga. Will Alvarez’s hefty payday demand be met, or will he agree to reduce his price tag for the fight? Will De La Hoya’s harsh words spur Alvarez into accepting Benavidez’s challenge? Only time will divulge the answers, and until then, all speculative eyes remain firmly glued on the unfolding story.
For now, one thing is clear – boxing is as much about fierce fights, invincibility, and floating like a butterfly inside the ring as it is outside. Titles, respect, and money, all come hard-earned, but it’s the heart of a champion, which according to De La Hoya, seems to be missing in the ‘Face of Boxing’ himself.
