Canelo Alvarez & Avni Yildirim to battle for vacant WBC super middleweight title
Four-division world champion and face of boxing Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (53-1-2, 36KOs) will get a chance at the WBC title at 168 against mandatory challenger Avni “Mr Robot” Yildirim (21-2, 12KOs). This all comes after David Benavidez (23-0, 20KOs) a two-time champion of the belt, was unable to make weight for his title defense against Roamer Alexis Angulo (26-2, 22KOs) on August 15.
Alvarez has had some hard luck finding opponents due to COVID-19 restraints and a possible lack of preparation for a fight of huge magnitude. However, this news almost ensures that the Canelo will step in the ring and have a chance at becoming a legitimate champion at super middleweight. He currently holds the WBA “regular”. Although, in all honesty, this isn’t viewed as legitimate compared to being the super champion of a particular sanctioning body organization.
WILL FRANCHISE STATUS AT 160 FOLLOW AT 168?
Alvarez currently enjoys the status of franchise champion of the WBC at 160. The confusing status has been rightfully criticized due to it allowing for mandatories to be avoided by elevating interim champions as full champion. Nevertheless with Alvarez being the franchise champion at 160, that same status will follow him at 168. This will make things even more confusing because he is actually fighting for the vacant title. Therefore, if he predictably defeats Yildirim, what would become the status of the WBC belt?
WILL DAZN WELCOME THIS FIGHT?
It’s no secret that Alvarez and DAZN have been at odds when it comes to his opponent selection. They didn’t give him $300+ million dollars to fight low level competition; they want him in with the likes of Demetrius Andrade, Jermall Charlo, Callum Smith, and Gennady Golovkin level fighters.
But amidst the current pandemic, finding top quality competition has been more than daunting. Pandemic or not fighters, still want a decent payday to step in the ring with Alvarez.
It remains to be seen what will come of this news; especially so considering team Alvarez and Golden Boy have already ruled out fighting on Mexican Independence Day weekend.
3kingsboxing.com will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
By: Jerrell Fletcher
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