Bob Arum Stokes Interest For Artur Beterbiev vs Canelo Alvarez in 2022
On December 17, Artur Beterbiev (16-0, 16 KOs) makes the second defense of the unified IBF/WBC world light heavyweight titles against WBC mandatory challenger Marcus Browne (24-1, 16 KOs) at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. While the defending champ is fighting in his adopted hometown, there could be one interested observer watching from abroad. Speaking to England’s Sky Sports, Beterbiev’s promoter, Bob Arum, says that undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez (57-1-2, 39 KOs) has communicated an interest in facing the unified 175-pound champ.
“He has expressed interest to me about fighting Beterbiev or Joe Smith Jr. I would look forward to May or September, the two dates that Canelo likes to fight, that he would fight one of those light heavyweights.”
THE CENTER OF EVERYONE’S ATTENTION
In November 2020, Alvarez stopped Caleb Plant to claim the undisputed title at 168. He is a cash cow of the sport. World champions from middleweight to light heavyweight have expressed a desire to fight the Mexican superstar.
Alvarez made a pitstop at 175 when he stopped Sergey Kovalev to win the WBO title in November 2020. Following his win over Plant, many anticipate the 31-year-old will return to the division in 2022. He’s pondered about fighting Beterbiev, previously.
A fight between the two is contingent on Beterbiev defeating Browne, which is not automatic. The mandatory challenger is a talented fighter capable of pulling off what would be considered an upset. But, if successful, Arum would love to make a fight between Beterbiev and Canelo. The Montreal native is perhaps the biggest puncher in the division and would pose some unique problems for Alvarez. But as the CEO of Top Rank explained, Alvarez loves a challenge.
“Canelo is a risk-taker, and that makes him so popular. It would be a massive fight because the betting action would go both ways. Some will say Beterbiev is too big and powerful. Others will say Canelo is special and can handle everybody. It is one of the biggest fights in boxing.”
To say there’s a lot on the line when Beterbiev fights Browne is an understatement. The champ is not just defending his world belts. He’s fighting for potentially a big-money payday as well.
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By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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