David Benavidez Says Canelo Alvarez Fight Looking More Realistic

David Benavidez believes his long-desired fight against Saul “Canelo” Alvarez is getting closer to reality.

Although Alvarez initially seemed to price himself out by demanding $200 million to face Benavidez, the possibility of the fight has not been dismissed entirely.

“I feel like it’s going to happen soon. I don’t know how soon, but it’s looking more realistic,” Benavidez told BoxingScene. “I think Canelo might end up getting his $200 million, and we might be getting the fight we all want. It’s very exciting news for us. We just have to stay working hard and stay ready for the opportunity. When that opportunity comes, I will take full advantage of that.”

Negotiations between Alvarez and Benavidez’s teams have stalled in the past, but a deal might now be on the horizon. Funding for the fight would likely come from Saudi Arabian boxing power broker Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the country’s General Sports Authority.

“When we had first negotiated, they said they wanted to give me a flat fee of $5 million. I was perfectly fine with it,” said Benavidez. “Right now, the way I take these fights, I don’t really look at the money. The money is not important for me. What’s important for me is that I do my job 100 percent, and the money is going to follow. I’m not worried about how much money I’m going to get, because after I beat Canelo, that’s when the money and everything else comes. As of right now, I’m not looking at this fight as a one-fight cash-out deal. After I beat him, he will want a rematch, and that’s when I become a PPV star.”

Benavidez is preparing to make his light heavyweight debut on June 15 against former titleholder and Alvarez sparring partner Oleksandr Gvozdyk, who is managed by Alvarez’s lifelong coach and confidant, Eddy Reynoso.

Alvarez, a former light heavyweight titleholder, has previously remarked that the naturally bigger Benavidez brings nothing to a bout but 25 extra pounds on fight night.

Benavidez stated he would return to 168 pounds when Alvarez is ready for the fight and is open to a rehydration clause but not a catchweight.

“Whatever [the terms are], as long as it’s not ridiculous. I just want to make this fight happen,” said Benavidez. “If he’s really not scared of me, if he’s really going to knock me out or does whatever he says he’s going to do, there shouldn’t be a catchweight. He didn’t do a rehydration clause with [Dmitry] Bivol. But if he wants me to do a rehydration clause, I’ll do it. But I won’t do a catchweight clause – 168 pounds is already hard to get to. If he’s confident in his skills, then let’s put it to the test, and may the best man win.”

Alvarez previously told BoxingScene he’s not interested in forcing Benavidez to agree to a rehydration clause.

Benavidez remains focused on advancing his career, with or without Alvarez.

“I’ve been kind of done with 168 pounds. I earned the opportunity to fight Canelo Alvarez, but since I am not getting that fight, there is really no other fight at 168. I want to test 175 pounds, and this is the perfect opportunity [against Gvozdyk],” said Benavidez.

“I want to be the 168-pound, 175-pound, and cruiserweight champion.