It appears that early negotiations for Saul ‘Canelo’ Álvarez to defend his undisputed status against two-time champion, David Benavidez, are not moving smoothly.
On May 31, Canelo’s trainer, Eddy Reynoso, responded to claims of an offer to fight Benavidez by saying he had received nothing from ‘the three promoters who lead the business’ – Matchroom, PBC and Top Rank.
The man who promotes Benavidez, Sampson Lewkowicz, penned an ‘open letter’ to correct the record, saying he had approached the team directly and not through another organisation.
“Since you have chosen to conduct our negotiations for David Benavidez to face Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in public I’m forced to correct a few mistakes you made in claiming you haven’t received any offers.
On Monday May 29 at 4:45pm, I emailed you what I’m sure would be one of the most lucrative offers of Canelo Alvarez’s career to face Benavidez.”
Lewkowicz – who posted a photo alongside Reynoso weeks prior – went on to describe the offer as ‘sizeable’, and took offence at Canelo’s side for saying it was ‘fantasy.’
“Please know that you do indeed have an offer to face Benavidez, a sizeable one, and I must tell you that I’m offended by your claim that I’m ‘fantasising’ about making this fight happen.”
Finally, looking to move on from any misunderstanding about who sent what where, the promoter said he would be happy to re-send the offer to get things moving in what many see as the only fight to make at super-middleweight.
“If you are also unable to find this open letter and no one tells you about it, would anyone who knows him please let Eddy know that I will send this same offer any time for him to communicate to Canelo Alvarez. All he needs to do is provide a working email address, apparently.”
@SampsonBoxing is with the business and has his receipts @CANELOTEAM@Canelo@Benavidez300#CaneloBenavidez#Boxingpic.twitter.com/jEqD3SWhMS
— TRU Boxing Headz (@TRUBoxingHeadz) June 1, 2023
Whilst Benavidez is fresh off a statement victory over former Canelo foe, Caleb Plant, that staked his claim for a shot at the belts, the champion is still in talks to rematch Dmitry Bivol at light heavyweight following a loss last year.