Canelo's not jumping at the chance to fight Benavidez. He doesn't think it'll add much to his legacy. Instead, he's set a hefty price tag on the bout.
"If one promoter who I work with comes and offers me $150 million to $200 million, I'll fight tomorrow."
Canelo said this in a media statement, making it clear that money's the main motivator for this fight.
The 27-year-old Benavidez has been chasing a fight with Canelo for a while now. Fans see him as the biggest threat to Canelo's dominance in the super-middleweight division. But Canelo's not convinced.
He thinks Benavidez only brings extra weight to the fight, not skill. Canelo believes Benavidez should be fighting at light-heavyweight, not super-middleweight. He's also made it clear he doesn't feel he needs to prove anything to anyone.
While Canelo's next opponent isn't clear, Benavidez has plans. He's set to fight David Morrell Jr at light-heavyweight in February. After that, he's aiming for the full WBC title, building on his current Interim Champion status.
The light-heavyweight division's got its own drama brewing. Artur Beterbiev, the undisputed champion, is expected to face Dmitry Bivol in a rematch early next year.
For now, the ball's in Canelo's court. He's waiting for that big offer to fight Benavidez. Until then, both fighters are moving forward with their own plans.