Arum thinks Canelo isn't giving fans their money's worth. He's offering less exciting fights at high prices and dodging the match-up everyone wants to see. This approach has hurt Canelo's popularity, with some fans now seeing him as weak and protective of his record.
Chris Mannix, a boxing analyst, pointed out how Arum's view of Canelo has changed. He said:
"Bob Arum said this week that he sees Canelo very differently than he did before. Canelo was an elite pound-for-pound talent, a guy who was taking on everything. Now, Bob Arum says he sees Canelo more as a businessman."
Canelo, now 35, was once seen as a fighter who'd take on all comers. But after losing to Dmitry Bivol in 2022, his approach seemed to change. He's been avoiding Benavidez, who's been calling him out for four years.
Sergio Mora, another boxing expert, agrees with Arum's take. He said:
"I agree with Bob Arum. I think he's more of a businessman than a boxer, but that's what happens when you're a PPV star. When you're as veteran as Canelo, at 35 years old and with more than 65 fights as a professional, I think he earned the right to choose whoever he wants at this stage of his career. And if they choose him on the right date, I think the fans will support him. Fans will always support PPV stars."
Some have compared Canelo's later career to Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s. Mayweather also picked fighters who couldn't beat him, but he did take risks against top names like Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto.
Canelo's approach has been calculated for a while. Even at his peak, he often fought top fighters past their prime. Now, it seems he's on a long retirement tour, charging fans for low-risk fights.
Will Canelo change course and give fans the Benavidez fight they've been asking for? Or will he stick to his current path? Only time will tell, but for now, it looks like business comes first for the Mexican champion.