Canelo Alvarez is frustrated.
The Mexican superstar is still without an opponent for his annual May fight date and, to him, the reason is obvious.
“Because they want a lot of money,” he told ESPN Deportes. “When they go to fight with Canelo they want the moon and the stars. That is the complication.
“But there are many opponents, and there has to be one out there. I’m ready for anyone.”
Alvarez reportedly is close to a deal to fight super middleweight titleholder Billy Joe Saunders of England on May 2 but we’re heard that refrain before.
Golden Boy Promotions, Alvarez’s promoter, reportedly has made offers — or at least put out feelers — to Saunders, Callum Smith, Caleb Plant, Ryota Murata and who knows who else.
None have been willing to accept the amount of money being offered. Hence Alvarez’s frustration.
Murata, the Japanese middleweight contender, also reportedly was close to a deal but talks eventually cratered. It’s not clear what the reason was. Nevertheless, Alvarez, 29, is set on fighting in the Land of the Rising Sun.
“I want to end the year by fighting in Japan if God is willing. That is the idea,” Canelo said, according to BoxingScene.com.
Murata, a gold medalist at the 2012 London Olympics, was an undefeated professional until he was upset by Rob Brandt in 2018. He avenged the loss the following year with an early knockout. At 34, Murata has yet to face an elite opponent.
An Alvarez-Murata fight is thought to be attractive to streaming app DAZN, which has exclusive rights to Alvarez and maintains a relationship with Murata.
Alvarez also reiterated his desire to some day fight in his homeland of Mexico, which he has not done since 2011.
“Maybe not this year, but the next [year I will fight in Mexico].” Alvarez said. “There are possibilities to return to Mexico. I am delighted to come to Mexico. It can be anywhere in Mexico.”