Canelo Alvarez’s options post Golden Boy
By now, the entire boxing community has been rocked with the news of Mexican mega-star Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (53-1-2, 36ko) suing Oscar De La Hoya, Golden Boy Promotions, and DAZN.
The news registers as a 9.5 on the Richter Scale. This is especially so for Golden Boy, considering the four-divisional Mexican champion has been their main cash cow keeping them off life support.
IT WAS COMING
However, if you have been following the drama-filled saga between Canelo and Golden Boy top brass Oscar De La Hoya, no one should be surprised. The situation eventually was bound to take an ugly turn.
De La Hoya even identified his relationship with his Golden Goose mega-star as “Strictly Business”. Moreover, it was the former six-divisional champion that hinted at coming back and possibly fighting Canelo.
Canelo Alvarez also expressed frustration back when the IBF stripped the middleweight championship from him for Golden Boy’s failure to secure a fight with Sergiy Derevyanchenko back in 2019.
PLENTY OF OPTIONS
The honeymoon may soon be over, making Alvarez the biggest free agent on the market down the line. It will be a feeding frenzy in trying to sign the Mexican superstar.
This is where some of the top players in the game will make a case for how they can serve the needs of the four-divisional champion.
PBC PPV REVENUE!
First, there is Premier Boxing Champions’ Al Haymon. Although the enigmatic boxing figure isn’t a promoter, Canelo may sign him as an advisor to keep his freedom to fight wherever he decides.
It’s also worth mentioning that Haymon has connections with two powerhouse networks, Showtime and Fox Sports. Considering no fans are allowed in attendance, perhaps the networks can lure in the Mexican mega-star with Pay-Per-View revenue.
It should be noted that Alvarez once enjoyed a healthy working relationship with Showtime in the past. So, the network will undoubtedly welcome him back with open arms
MATCHROOM BOXING PLATFORM!
Eddie Hearn is also a player capable of signing the four-divisional champion to a lucrative deal with Matchroom Boxing.
Furthermore, a huge financial fight can be made in the United Kingdom with super middleweight champion WBA Callum Smith and WBO Billy Joe Saunders. Both fighters were offered fight contracts in the past. Although negotiations fell short, signing to Matchroom Boxing would undoubtedly help things go smoother in securing those two financially lucrative bouts in the UK market.
TOP RANK THE LOGICAL CHOICE!
Top Rank’s Bob Arum would be the most logical choice.
The Top Rank banner has posted their flag on ESPN, the largest and most recognized sports platform on a global scale. Arum is doing an excellent job at making them a major player in boxing. Furthermore, Top Rank has a good working record with Matchroom Boxing, so fights with both WBA and WBO super middleweight champions can still be in play.
Then there is the lightweight division. As previously stated, working with Hearn, a fight with WBA champion Dmitry Bivol is easy to make. Next is a decent payday bout with unified champion Artur Beterbiev. Also, Canelo can fight the winner of the WBO tournament that is taking place before looking to become undisputed of the division.
The choices are endless, and it will be a waiting game until all of the drama is over. One thing is for certain. In the next few months and going into 2021, the boxing community will be paying close attention to every detail about this Mexican novella.
By: Garrisson Bland
