Mike Tyson Slams Canelo Alvarez for Rejecting $60M Fight Offer—'This Is a Shame for Boxing and Mexico'

Mike Tyson didn't mince words when expressing his criticism of reigning undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez.

Tyson condemned the Mexican for reportedly turning down a fight offer valued at $60 million, which would have been against interim WBC super middleweight titleholder David Benavidez.

"What's wrong with Canelo? Is he afraid of losing? Doesn't he want to give the fans the fight they want to see? Do you not respect the legacy of the great Mexican champions who faced the best regardless of the money?," the 57-year-old said.

Tyson reiterated his sentiment, expressing his disappointment, stating, "This is a shame for boxing and for Mexico."

The former undisputed world heavyweight champion also said that if he were in Alvarez's position, he would accept the fight against David Benavidez to demonstrate to the world that he is the best.

Tyson implied that Alvarez's reluctance to take on this challenge might be perceived as a lack of courage in the face of an opportunity to solidify his standing in the sport.

Canelo turned down 92-8 split

Benavidez stated that he was prepared to accept a $5 million purse as the total compensation for a potential fight against Alvarez.

On the other hand, Canelo would have reportedly received $60 million plus a share of the pay-per-view (PPV) sales.

"I was completely fine with that. This guy was taking everything, and I'm not saying he shouldn't. I don't give a f**k; I wanted the opportunity," the 27-year-old fighter said.