In what was anticipated to be one of the biggest boxing events in recent Mexican history, Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez’s recent fight with Jaime Munguia fell short of expectations, drawing an estimated 500,000 to 550,000 viewers for the pay-per-view (PPV) event. This lackluster performance, occurring on the eve of Cinco de Mayo, has sparked concerns about Canelo’s future fight negotiations and potential earnings.

Diminished Viewer Interest

The fight’s timing, coinciding with a major Mexican holiday, might have contributed to the lower-than-expected viewership. However, the implications extend beyond just one event. Rick Glaser, an IBHOF Elector, expressed on his X handle that these numbers might force Canelo to consider more compelling matchups against high-caliber opponents like David Benavidez and Terence Crawford, whom he has previously avoided. According to Glaser, only such high-stakes fights can sustain Canelo’s previous earnings from boxing.

Potential Matchups on the Horizon

Eddie Hearn, a promoter for Matchroom Boxing who has worked with Alvarez, commented on the potential for these matchups. He acknowledged that while there is a significant weight difference between Alvarez and Crawford, the latter’s skill level makes him a formidable opponent. Despite this, Hearn noted that Canelo seems unenthusiastic about fighting Crawford, primarily due to the lack of recognition he would receive from defeating a lighter-weight boxer.