Alvarez could miss Mexican Independence Day two years running
For the second year in a row, WBA world super middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (53-1-2, 36 KO’s) will not be competing on his customary September fight date. According to Michael Benson of Talksport.com, Golden Boy Promotions matchmaker Roberto Diaz has verified that Alvarez will not be facing anyone on the famed Mexican Independence holiday.
The news is not surprising.
NO SERVICE
For months, Golden Boy has frantically flopped around like a beached fish trying to secure a suitable opponent. At one point, all signs indicated that WBO world super middleweight champion “Superb” Billy Joe Saunders (29-0, 14 KO’s) was going to get the nod. Well, until the UK rabble-rouser tripped everyone up by suddenly withdrawing from the fight.
Obviously, the powerhouse company was never able to rebound from that final curveball. The crumby hand has left them no other recourse but to scrap the date and start from scratch. It will be interesting to see what Golden Boy and DAZN can get their heads together and come up with.
OVERPRICED
One of the underlining difficulties in penning a bout seemed to revolve around the notion of finances. Ever since COVID-19 banished boxing fans from the stands, fighters and promoters alike have had to adjust to a much stricter financial reality. And even boxing cash cow Canelo Alvarez could not escape the economic pitfalls.
So, assuming that Golden Boy is not guilty of simply low-balling fighters, who would make for a good but economically responsible opponent? WBC world middleweight champion Jermall “Hit Man” Charlo (30-0, 22 KO’s) and IBF world middleweight champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (40-1-1, 35 KO’s) will more than likely demand more money than is feasible. Not to mention Charlo already is contracted to a double-header pay-per-view on September 26.
Of all the champions at 160lbs, WBO world middleweight champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade (29-0, 18 KO’s) is the only one that might accept short money just to make the fight happen. Andrade has chased a fight with Canelo across two divisions the same way that The Rock chased Vin Diesel across those roof tops in Rio de Janeiro. Unfortunately, Canelo is more apt to voluntarily discuss clenbuterol rather than bring up Boo Boo.
THE BARGAIN BIN
So, if no titlist is realistic, then who? UK import Chris Eubank Jr (29-2, 22 KO’s) is here in the states and says that he is ready to go. He is certainly going to want more than a handful of complimentary car washes and a pint of beer. However, Eubank Jr would not command anywhere near the same pay day as the belt holders. He is also the WBO’s #1 ranked middleweight and in perfect position for the bout.
There is also former world champion Jaime Munguia (35-0, 28 KO’s). He is ranked #1 WBC, #9 IBF and #1 WBO. Even though Munguia’s star is not as bright as it once was, he is a solid name and would provide a great action-fight for however long it went.
Sadly, this is all off-the-cuff speculation. In the end, we will have to continue doing what we’ve been doing and that’s sit back and wait! Hopefully, it won’t be eons until Golden Boy can officially drum up a dance partner for Canelo.
By: Bakari Simpson
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