Badou Jack Declines Canelo Alvarez Fight Over Weight and Rehydration Demands
Talks of a matchup between WBC cruiserweight champion Badou “The Ripper” Jack (28-3-3, 17KO) and undisputed super middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (58-3-2, 39KO) have fallen apart. Jack went to social media to explain why the fight is not happening. According to the cruiserweight champion, it boils down to two key demands from Alvarez.
NOT TAKING THE BAIT
Jack won the cruiserweight title on his last outing when he scored an eleventh-round stoppage over Ilunga Makabu in February 2023. Promoter Eddie Hearn revealed that a matchup between Alvarez and The Ripper was a genuine possibility.
Jack would love the payday that comes with fighting Alvarez. But according to The Ripper, Canelo attempted to play the “weight-ing” game, demanding that the fight occurs at 180 pounds. Cutting down from the cruiserweight limit of 200 to 180 pounds and then having a rehydration clause is something that Jack was unwilling to do.
Instead, The Ripper suggests the Mexican superstar face two-time super middleweight champion David Benavidez. However, it’s clear that right now that Alvarez is not interested in a fight with Benavidez.
THE FUTURE OF ALVAREZ
With Jack out of the picture, up next for Alvarez could be the current WBC middleweight champion, Jermall Charlo. Word on the street is that Alvarez is strongly considering a fight with Charlo at 168 pounds. However, the middleweight champion and two-division champion Demetrius Andrade were recently talking about fighting each other in September.
Will Alvarez now fight Charlo? Could the super middleweight have a change of heart and get in the ring with Benavidez? Is a rematch with light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol still in play? Stay tuned to 3kingsboxing.com for the latest on what’s turning into “The Canelo Drama Show”.
