Home » Mike Tyson slams Canelo Alvarez for disrespecting boxing, Mexico

Mike Tyson slams Canelo Alvarez for disrespecting boxing, Mexico

Boxing legend Mike Tyson slammed Canelo Alvarez for allegedly refusing to face his mandatory challenger, David Benavidez.

Canelo’s opponent remains unknown

Alvarez, 34, has an upcoming fight on May 4 in Las Vegas, Nevada, but the superstar middleweight champion’s next opponent remains unknown.

Reports stated that Alvarez will face either Jamie Munguia, Jermall Charlo, or Edgar Berlanga next.

Benavidez, 27, has held the WBC’s mandatory challenger status at 168lbs for over two years. 

Benavidez’s manager, Sampson Lewkowicz, claimed that Canelo rejected a lucrative offer to face his client.

However, Canelo’s manager, Eddy Reynoso, said the offer was laid to his camp.

Tyson slams Canelo

Tyson responded to the reports that Canelo turned down a $60 million offer to fight Benavidez.

“What’s wrong with Canelo?” Tyson said in an interview with Marca.

“Is he afraid of losing? Doesn’t he want to give the fans the fight they want to see? Don’t you want to give the fans the fight they want to see?”

“Iron” Mike even accused Canelo of disrespecting boxing and the country of Mexico.

Tyson also said he would accept the fight if he was in the shoes of the Mexican fighter.

“Do you not respect the legacy of the great Mexican champions who faced the best regardless of the money?” Tyson said. “This is a shame for boxing and for Mexico. If I were him, I would accept the fight with Benavidez and show the world that he is the best. But it seems he doesn’t have the courage to do it. It is a shame because he has a lot of talent but he lacks heart.”