By Sean Jones: Canelo Alvarez will end up fighting either Callum Smith or Demetrius Andrade next, but it won’t be on September 12, predicts Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn.
The September 12 date has already passed Canelo (53-1-2, 36 KOs) by seeing that it’s been picked by Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr for their old-timer’s comeback fight.
There have been reports that DAZN wants the superstar Canelo to take a drop in pay for his next fight with them this year. If the two sides are unable to settle their disagreement soon, then that’ll make it impossible for Alvarez to fight on September 12.
As popular as Canelo is, he doesn’t need to fight on September 12, which is a Mexican holiday, for him to bring in the fans. What Canelo needs is a solid opponent that the boxing public in the United States is interested in seeing him fight.
DAZN wants Canelo to face quality opposition, which puts him in the opposition where he’s going to need to take risks whether he wants to or not. If Canelo isn’t willing to fight Beterbiev or Bivol, then he can’t afford to avoid Andrade, David Benavidez, Caleb Plant, and Jermall Charlo.
Callum Smith (27-0, 19 KOs) is such a lackluster opponent for Canelo, and it’s hardly worth him taking that fight. Two of the other fighters that Golden Boy has been considering for Canelo, Jason Quigley, and John Ryder, are such awful choices.
If DAZN agrees to let Canelo fight either of those guys, they’ll be sorry for it later when they notice their poor ratings.
Canelo will fight Callum Smith or Demetrius Andrade
“I don’t know,” said Hearn when asked what’s the latest news on Canelo Alvarez and his next fight for September 12 fight. “We put our guys in the hat, you know? Bivol, Andrade, Ryder, Callum Smith.
“I believe he wants to fight Callum Smith, I do. I think September 12 is obviously unlikely now. Does it matter? Not really.
“Hopefully, one of our guys the pick. We’re ready to go, we’re training, and it would be an honor to be selected as Canelo Alvarez’s opponent. I think if he can’t fight Callum Smith, I think he fights Demetrius Andrade,” said Hearn on Canelo.
Hearn has overestimated Canelo’s willingness to take risks with his career by saying that Demetrius Andrade has a chance of fighting him.
Canelo has never attempted to set up a fight with Andrade, and that’s a clear sign that he fears him. Canelo can’t wa
