Mexico’s Canelo Alvarez’s demands reflect the fear of losing to boxing sensation Crawford

Mexico’s Canelo Alvarez’s hefty financial demands to fight Terence Crawford have raised questions about whether the Mexican superstar will avoid a potential defeat. Crawford’s claim that Canelo is pricing himself out of the showdown points to a deeper concern about his legacy.

Terence Crawford’s recent remarks about Canelo Alvarez’s excessive financial demands have sparked significant debate in the boxing community. Crawford, known for his fearless approach in the ring, has suggested that Canelo’s demand for a $150 million payday to face him — and an even steeper $200 million for the fight against David Benavidez — is indicative of more than just a desire for a lucrative win. According to Crawford, these demands indicate that Canelo may be more concerned with preserving his legacy than securing another victory.

Crawford’s point is compelling given the context. Canelo is a fighter with a storied career, but has recently suffered a notable loss against Dmitry Bivola. For a boxer of Canelo’s stature, each loss cuts through the aura of invincibility that has surrounded him for years. By setting his price that high, Canelo can create a barrier that ensures he only steps into the ring under circumstances where the financial reward outweighs the risk of another potential loss.

This is not the first time a high-profile boxer has used such tactics. Floyd Mayweather Jr., another iconic figure in boxing, was known to meet exorbitant demands late in his career. Although these requirements were often met, he was able to control the story of his career and maintain an undefeated record. Canelo, whose brand and marketability are paramount, may adopt a similar strategy to ensure any future losses are on his terms and carry a substantial financial cushion.

Legacy at stake

Canelo Alvarez’s legacy in boxing is already established, with titles in multiple weight classes and victories over some of the biggest names in the sport. However, any fighter’s legacy is a fragile construct, easily tarnished by too many losses or a mistake in opponent selection. Crawford’s claim that Canelo sees him as a “threat” to his legacy is based on the understanding that another loss — especially to a fighter of Crawford’s caliber — could significantly change how Canelo is remembered in the annals of boxing history.

Unless his terms are met, Canelo’s refusal to fight Benavidez or Crawford suggests a careful calculation. Both fighters present significant challenges: Benavidez with his size, power and relentless aggression, and Crawford with his technical ability and adaptability. For Canelo, these are not just fights, but potential turning points in his career. A win against either would cement his reputation as one of the greatest, but a loss could overshadow his achievements.

In today’s boxing landscape, where every fight is scrutinized and every outcome is discussed, Canelo’s approach can be seen as an attempt to protect his legacy by minimizing the risks. By setting the financial bar impossibly high, he effectively controls the narrative—either he gets the money he believes he’s worth, or he doesn’t fight at all, avoiding a scenario where his legacy could be damaged.

Crawford’s Perspective: A Legitimate Threat?

From Terence Crawford’s perspective, Canelo’s demands are more than just business – they recognize Crawford’s threat level. As Crawford pointed out in his interview, if Canelo truly believed he was an “easy job,” the Mexican star would take the money offered and face him in the ring. For Canelo to demand such a substantial amount suggests he understands the danger Crawford poses.

Crawford, chasing his path to greatness, is becoming the undisputed three-weight champion. His confidence in his abilities is unwavering, and he sees Canelo’s reluctance to participate as a sign of respect — albeit an unspoken one. For Crawford, Canelo’s demands are a tacit admission that the fight is far from a foregone conclusion and that the danger of losing to Crawford is real.

This dynamic adds an intriguing layer to a potential match. Crawford’s frustration with Canelo’s demands is understandable as it effectively stalls one of the most anticipated fights in recent memory. Yet it also supports Crawford’s claim that Canelo is not as confident as he publicly portrays himself to be. By pricing himself out of the fight, Canelo may be revealing more about his insecurities than his financial expectations.

The future of high stakes boxing

The situation between Crawford and Canelo highlights a broader trend in high-stakes boxing, where financial demands and legacy considerations often dictate bouts. In an era where there are as many fighters as there are athletes, the economics of boxing have become increasingly complex. The demand for mega-battles is high, but so are the financial and reputational issues.

Setting such high standards for Canelo may be a strategic move in the twilight of his career. With fewer battles to fight and a legacy to protect, he can choose quality over quantity to ensure that each one either improves his reputation or handsomely compensates him for the risk. However, this approach can also backfire as it could alienate fans who want to see the best fighters face each other regardless of financial terms.

Crawford, on the other hand, represents a fighter who is still trying to define his legacy. His willingness to take on any challenger, along with his frustration with Canelo’s demands, make him a boxer ready to fight for his place in history and not rest on his laurels. This contrast between the two fighters reflects the different stages of their careers and the different pressures they face.

As boxing continues to evolve, the balance between financial demands, legacy protection and the desire to entertain fans remains a delicate one. The situation between Canelo and Crawford is emblematic of this tension, where the desire to fight is weighed against the potential risks and rewards. Whether or not this fight ever comes to fruition, it has already sparked debate about what drives the biggest names in the sport and how much they are willing to risk to secure their legacies.

Canelo avoid defeat?

Terence Crawford’s claim that Canelo Alvarez is avoiding the fight for fear of losing carries weight, especially in light of Canelo’s demands. While financial considerations are always a factor in boxing, Canelo’s excessive nature suggests there may be more at play. Canelo’s desire to protect his legacy and avoid another loss may be guiding his approach, prompting him to set terms that make the fight unlikely.

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For Crawford, this is both a frustration and a confirmation of his status as one of the most dangerous fighters in the sport. As the boxing world watches and waits, the question remains: Is Canelo Alvarez avoiding a fight with Terence Crawford because he’s afraid of losing? The evidence, as Crawford sees it, points to yes.