Canelo Alvarez Signs A Three-Fight Deal With The PBC As Eddie Hearn Suffers A Huge Blow
Canelo Alvarez has reportedly signed a three-fight deal with the PBC.
According to ESPN’s Mike Coppinger, the deal includes a September bout against Jermall Charlo, with the two other fights occurring next year.
It is alleged that the latter two fights in 2024 will occur on Cinco De Mayo weekend and Mexican Independence Day. The move diminishes the possibility of the Mexican having a rematch with Dmitry Bivol.
Canelo Alvarez is set to defend his undisputed super middleweight championship vs. Jermall Charlo, likely on Sept. 16, sources tell @MikeCoppinger.
It’s a three-fight deal for @Canelo with PBC, per sources, the other two fights expected to take place in May and September 2024. pic.twitter.com/g9itXutabH
— ESPN Ringside (@ESPNRingside) June 22, 2023
The pair butted heads over the terms of the rematch when it came to the weight limit.
Bivol reportedly wanted to fight at 168 lbs for Canelo’s undisputed title at super-middleweight, given the ease with which he beat the Mexican at light heavweight.
Meanwhile, Alvarez was keen to right his wrong and dismiss the possibility of critics stating that he had drained Bivol by fighting on the same terms.
“Bivol wants the fight at 168 [pounds] to try and become undisputed [champion]. He’s about legacy, not just money. Canelo wants the same terms as last time because he wants the credit for victory.
“He doesn’t want people saying, ‘Oh you boiled Bivol down to 168 [pounds].’ The problem is, you’ve got two competitors who don’t want to give an inch.
“Bivol is going, ‘I already beat you at 175 [pounds]… but let me fight for your belts.’ And Canelo is going, ‘No I want to beat you how you beat me last time,” Eddie Hearn stated
Those comments signal a massive blow for Hearn, given that Canelo has been a mainstay in Matchroom’s stable. Even though he was not officially signed, he did stay loyal to DAZN.
Canelo’s presence will no doubt have driven up DAZN’s subscription numbers, given the access to the Mexican market.
Although Hearn may be feeling the pinch, the PBC has been benefiting this year.
Their mega-fight with David Benavidez vs Caleb Plant was followed up by Gervonta Davis vs Ryan Garcia.
Also, with Errol Spence Jr. vs Terence Crawford being signed, Al Haymon and Showtime are at the forefront of boxing once again post the Floyd Mayweather Jr. era.
“Spence vs. Crawford is the type of matchup that will demonstrate boxing’s enduring popularity – a marquee event to bring the sports world to a halt with all eyes on the center of the ring in Las Vegas.
“This fight will be talked about alongside all of the legendary welterweight and undisputed world title bouts throughout history.
“Together with our partners, we are proud to once again deliver the biggest and best fights that the sport can offer,” Stephen Espinoza said
Aside from the promotional politics, the news is also key for Canelo’s legacy. Following the fight with Charlo, the two fights will be massive.
This could finally include the much-anticipated fight with Benavidez. In addition, another fight could possibly include a super fight with Errol Spence Jr., as the latter has made it no secret that he would be open to fighting Canelo.
“If the fight [against Canelo Alvarez] comes across the table, I’d definitely take that fight. 165 – 168, that’s more my natural weight and a lot easier for me to make, so I’d definitely take that fight,” Spence
However, Canelo proceeds moving forward, at the age of 32 he is not getting any younger. And the three-fight deal may see him into retirement, provided he gets the legacy fights that he is hoping for.
With that being said, the next three fights could define Canelo’s career for good. And if he is to be considered the best that Mexico has to offer, then these bouts may go some way into defining that.
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