A fair price in the new era of boxing – La Cartita News

In the ever-evolving landscape of combat sports, Saúl ‘Canelo’ Álvarez stands like a colossus, his shadow looming large over both boxing and MMA. As the undisputed king of the pay-per-view continues to march, Canelo’s recent demand for a $200 million purse to face stylistically complex opponents is not only bold, but a calculated move in a rapidly changing market.

The Canelo factor

Canelo’s appeal transcends the typical boxing fan base. His fights are events that capture the attention of both casual fans and diehards. This broad appeal makes it the No. 1 martial arts attraction worldwide, a status that has a significant impact on negotiations.

The Riyadh season in Saudi Arabia: the new player with deep pockets

Take part in the Riyadh Season in Saudi Arabia, an entertainment and sports festival that makes waves in various sports, especially football. However, their presence in boxing has been surprisingly limited, especially considering their apparent willingness to spend big money on other sports. There are economic reports that indicate that the price of oil will peak from 2030 and then decline. Their drive to diversify and turn Riyadh into a Las Vegas in the Middle East is thus driven by pragmatic economic concerns.

This relative absence in boxing creates an interesting dynamic. On the one hand, it indicates an untapped market with potentially enormous financial resources. On the other hand, it means established stars like Canelo have even more value as potential flagship attractions for the Saudi entry into boxing. Even before Canelo’s own fight with Edgar Berlanga, Canelo was being pushed by Saudi promoters led by Turki Alalalshik.

The Risk Factor: Lessons from Joshua vs. Dubois

The recent fight between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois is a stark reminder of the risks inherent in boxing, especially when facing tough opponents. Despite being the favourite, Joshua was brutally eliminated, seemingly underestimating Dubois’ punching power.
This disruption underlines a crucial point in Canelo’s $200 million ask. When you face stylistically complex opponents who also pack a punch, the risk of a career-altering loss increases significantly. For a fighter of Canelo’s stature, such a loss could mean much more than just a blemish on his record; it could affect future income and inheritance, which is exactly why the opportunity cost needs to be covered.

The $200 million question

In light of these factors, Canelo’s $200 million ask is starting to look less like an excessive demand and more like a smart business move. This is why:

Unparalleled traction: Canelo’s ability to draw viewers is unparalleled in combat sports today. This translates directly into revenue for promoters and broadcasters.

Untapped market: With the Riyadh season in Saudi Arabia yet to make a big splash in American boxing, securing a star like Canelo could be worth the premium price tag. Risk vs. Reward: Facing stylistically challenging opponents with knockout power poses a real risk to Canelo’s career trajectory.

The $200 million purse reflects this increased risk.

Boxing careers, especially at the elite level, have a finite lifespan. Canelo has the right to maximize his earnings while he is at his peak.