Canelo Alvarez, the undisputed super middleweight champion, has issued an ultimatum for his next fight, slated for May 4th, during the Cinco de Mayo weekend. Alvarez has expressed a clear preference to face Jermall Charlo and has indicated that he will not fight in May if this matchup with Charlo is not secured. This stance presents a challenging scenario for Premier Boxing Champions (PBC), who reportedly favor a bout between Alvarez and Jaime Munguia, considering it more lucrative.
The insistence on fighting Charlo places PBC in a difficult position. Agreeing to Alvarez's demands could potentially lead to disappointing pay-per-view (PPV) sales on Amazon Prime, especially given Alvarez's substantial guaranteed purse of $35 million. On the other hand, declining Alvarez's request risks losing a marquee fighter for the highly anticipated May event, which could also result in significant financial implications.
Mexican journalist Fernando Schwartz has reported that Alvarez is firm in his demand to face Charlo, leaving PBC with a crucial decision to make. Should they decide against Alvarez's wishes, finding a suitable replacement for the May 4th slot becomes imperative. While David Benavidez is a potential candidate, his upcoming fight against Oleksandr Gvozyk for the WBC interim light heavyweight title may not hold the same PPV appeal.
This situation highlights the complexities of organizing high-profile boxing matches and the balancing act promoters face in meeting the expectations of fighters while ensuring financial viability. As the deadline approaches, the boxing community eagerly awaits PBC's decision, which will significantly impact the Cinco de Mayo weekend lineup.
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