Canelo next opponent – Syndication Server

Canelo Alvarez, please choose from among these 5 potential opponents

Canelo Alvarez’s trainer and manager Eddy Reynoso reportedly said that he will have news about the Mexican star’s next opponent soon. Who will it be? Alvarez and Co. have suggested the undisputed super middleweight champion will face cruiserweight …

Canelo Alvarez’s trainer and manager Eddy Reynoso reportedly said that he will have news about the Mexican star’s next opponent soon.

Who will it be?

Alvarez and Co. have suggested the undisputed super middleweight champion will face cruiserweight titleholder Ilunga Makabu in an effort to win a belt in another division, assuming Makabu defeats Thabiso Mchunu on Jan. 19.

If it’s not a cruiserweight, then it’s anyone’s guess who Alvarez (57-1-2, 39 KOs) will face. We’ve heard rumors about potential matchups with top fighters from 160 to 200 pounds. Some have even suggested Alvarez should challenge smallish heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk, which isn’t realistic.

Here are the five best possible opponents for Alvarez. Note: Title belts play no role in this list. Alvarez has enough of those.

5. Dmitry Bivol (19-0, 11 KOs)

Light heavyweight titleholder Dmitriy Bivol (left) has the size and ability to give Canelo Alvarez trouble. Ed Mulholland / Matchroom Boxing

Bivol, a light heavyweight titleholder, is an excellent all-around fight but isn’t as physically imposing as fellow champ Artur Beterbiev. For that reason, Alvarez and his handlers might be more inclined to face Bivol over Beterbiev. Plus, Bivol has an impressive track record. He defeated in succession Sullivan Barrera, Isaac Chilemba, Jean Pascal and Joe Smith Jr. in 2018 and 2019. A victory over a champion with that kind of resume would add considerably to Alvarez’s already sterling legacy.

4. Artur Beterbiev (17-0, 17 KOs)

Fans want to know whether Alvarez could overcome Artur Beterbiev’s physical advantages. Bernard Brault / Groupe Yvon Michel

Many fans are intrigued by this potential matchup because of the 175-pound titleholder’s size, strength and knockout record: 17 fights, 17 stoppages. Alvarez would have an edge in skill and experience but the Russian’s physical advantages would seem to give him a realistic chance of scoring an upset, if that’s what it would be. Beterbiev is not a mere brute. He had a long, successful amateur career, meaning he has the skill set to set up the thudding blows that destroy his opponents. Alvarez has said many times that he seeks out challenges. This is a challenge.

3. Gennadiy Golovkin (41-1-1, 36 KOs)

Gennadiy Golovkin (left) gave Alvarez all he could handle in two previous fights. Ethan Miller / Getty Images

Triple-G has earned a third fight with Alvarez after a controversial draw and a close decision in Alvarez’s favor, although Alvarez wouldn’t give Golovkin the opportunity for that reason. He might do so because the popular Kazakhstani probably would bring in more money than any other potential opponent. On top of that, most observers believe Alvarez would face minimal risk against a fighter who turns 40 on April 8. So Alvarez would make a nice chunk of change and, if the experts are right, finally separate himself from his greatest rival. Why not fight Triple-G?

2. Jermall Charlo (32-0, 22 KOs)

Jermall Charlo (left) would have to move up in weight to face Alvarez. Carmen Mandato / Getty Images

The 160-pound titleholder would give up a size advantage to Alvarez, who is now a legitimate 168-pounder. And that’s in addition to Alvarez’s perceived edges in ability and experience. Still, this is a fight many fans would love to see. Charlo is an excellent all-around fighter who is quick, athletic and durable. He would have a legitimate of chance of beating Alvarez. On top of that, he and twin brother Jermell Charlo have a substantial fan base, which makes him an attractive opponent from a business standpoint. Charlo is a solid option for Alvarez.

1. David Benavidez (25-0, 22 KOs)

Many believe David Benavidez is the best-possible opponent for Alvarez. Stephanie Trapp / Showtime

This is the fight. Benavidez has ability and quick hands but it’s his power that sets him apart from Alvarez’s last four opponents, which is why he’s a genuine, mouth-watering threat to the man many consider No. 1 pound for pound. They fight in the same division, which is ideal. And it seems to be the matchup the fans want, which means this fight also makes sense from a business standpoint. Alvarez deserves credit for defeating Callum Smith, Billy Joe Saunders and Caleb Plant to become the undisputed 168-pound champion. Now it’s time to fight the best-possible opponent in the division, Benavidez.

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Canelo Alvarez, please choose from among these 5 potential opponents

Canelo Alvarez’s trainer and manager Eddy Reynoso reportedly said that he will have news about the Mexican star’s next opponent soon.

Who will it be?

Here are the five best possible opponents for Alvarez. Note: Title belts play no role in this list. Alvarez has enough of those.

5. Dmitry Bivol (19-0, 11 KOs)

4. Artur Beterbiev (17-0, 17 KOs)

3. Gennadiy Golovkin (41-1-1, 36 KOs)

2. Jermall Charlo (32-0, 22 KOs)

1. David Benavidez (25-0, 22 KOs)

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10 legitimate opponents for Canelo Alvarez

Here are 10 legitimate opponents for Canelo Alvarez.

Canelo Alvarez is on a dominating but flawed run.

The Mexican superstar easily outpointed Callum Smith and then stopped Avni Yildirim in consecutive meetings that weren’t great on paper and even worse in the ring. And next up is Billy Joe Saunders, a good boxer with no power who almost certainly will be trampled by Alvarez.

Saunders (30-0, 14 KOs) has the ability to stick and move in the early rounds, which could frustrate Alvarez (55-1-2, 37 KOs) to some degree. However, the master predator will catch up to him soon enough and it won’t be pretty.

The solution? Alvarez, once known for taking on all-comers, needs to focus less on winning title belts and more on the man across the ring from him.

With that in mind, here are 10 potential foes who have a better chance than Smith, Yildirim and Saunders to defeat the man many consider the best fighter in the world.

They are presented in order of the best chance to emerge victorious (by percentage).

10 legitimate opponents for Canelo Alvarez

Here are 10 legitimate opponents for Canelo Alvarez.

Canelo Alvarez is on a dominating but flawed run.

The solution? Alvarez, once known for taking on all-comers, needs to focus less on winning title belts and more on the man across the ring from him.

With that in mind, here are 10 potential foes who have a better chance than Smith, Yildirim and Saunders to defeat the man many consider the best fighter in the world.

They are presented in order of the best chance to emerge victorious (by percentage).

Is Callum Smith leading candidate to face Canelo Alvarez?

Eddie Hearn said only one of the four names he submitted to Golden Boy is in discussions to fight Canelo Alvarez: Callum Smith.

Promoter Eddie Hearn told BoxingScene.com that he recently submitted four names as potential opponents for Canelo Alvarez. Only one has had discussions with Alvarez promoter Golden Boy: Callum Smith.

Alvarez is expected to fight on Sept. 12. He still doesn’t have an opponent. Golden Boy isn’t tipping its hand but, indeed, Smith apparently is a front runner. Golden Boy partner Bernard Hopkins suggested John Ryder was another leading candidate. And David Lemieux and Jason Quigley reportedly also are being considered.

Golden Boy apparently is seeking an inexpensive option because the fight will take place without spectators, meaning profits from the live gate will be sacrificed.

Hearn and Golden Boy are both aligned with DAZN, which streams Alvarez’s fights.

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“I put forward to Golden Boy three or four weeks ago Dmitry Bivol, Demetrius Andrade, Callum Smith and John Ryder and I said this is all the money they want,” Hearn said. “The only one there has been a discussion about is Callum Smith. So far.

“I saw Bernard Hopkins’ comments. There have been no discussions about John Ryder at all. I do believe he is in the mix. But we haven’t had an offer, we have not discussed money. We have discussed money on Callum Smith and we are not quite where we need to be.

“We are not a million miles away but it is seven weeks this coming Saturday. Luckily, Callum Smith is ready to go, John Ryder’s ready to go. You don’t have to sell tickets anymore, but you still want a lot of notice for a fight like that.”

Hearn doesn’t believe Quigley or Lemieux, both Golden Boy fighters, would be approved as an opponent for Alvarez. Ryder? Maybe.

“John Ryder is chomping at the bit, so is Callum, but they are in different positions,” Hearn said. “Callum had the WBA super championship, he is The Ring [Magazine] champion, so he has a lot on the line. … I have seen them put in Lemieux and Quigley. I can’t see in a million years DAZN approving those fights.

“I don’t know Canelo personally but I do get a feeling that he wants to face the champion and I think is he had his choice, he would choose Callum Smith, if money allows it.”

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Callum Smith not optimistic about getting Canelo fight

Callum Smith isn’t get his hopes up about a potential fight with Canelo Alvarez.

The super middleweight titleholder told BoxingScene.com that he has no idea whether he will face Alvarez and has stopped paying attention to the incessant chatter surrounding the possible matchup.

The British fighter also said that rumors suggesting he has received an offer are false.

“The first time round it was dead exciting,” said Smith, referring to his name being in the mix. “I would read every article and I would get my hopes up. I was in negotiations through Eddie [Hearn] with Golden Boy and you do think, ‘I could get this and if I do, it’s huge.’

“Now, until the fight is done, I won’t give it much thought. You read articles saying ‘this source says this, this source says this.’ I saw one source saying I had been made an offer. I haven’t received any offer.

“People just want to make their own version of it and with social media it spreads so quickly. I have been here before and didn’t get the fight, I’m not going to be getting too excited about it. It is a fight I would love, but I’m not too sure there is that much chance of me getting it.”

Word is that Golden Boy Promotions, which handles Alvarez, is looking for a bargain opponent for a September fight.

That is due in part to the coronavirus pandemic, which will require the participants to sacrifice a lucrative live gate. Still, Smith says, if Alvarez and Co. want to put together a compelling event, they must invest in it.

“I spoke to Eddie last week,” he said. “He said my name was in the mix. I think DAZN would probably like it, because it is a good fight for them to get subscribers, but Golden Boy would prefer a cheaper option because they have no revenue on the gate.

“It’s a Catch 22. You can’t get a cheaper opponent and then expect it to be a mega fight that people want to tune in for. And if you want a fight that people will tune in for, you have got to pay for it.

“People want to see good fights if they are going to subscribe. You have to put on fights people are willing to pay for. They might have to bite the bullet.We will have to see. In the end, it is down to Golden Boy, DAZN and Canelo himself. I am sure he has a big say.”

Golden Boy could opt for John Ryder, who enhanced his reputation when he lost a disputed decision to Smith in November. He presumably would command less money than Smith.

“I understand the circumstances,” Smith said. “Billy Joe [Saunders] had the fight, as far as I know, and the whole reason that isn’t happening is because they agreed a price and now they have come round and said that because they haven’t got the crowd, they can’t afford to pay him that.

“So they want to take a cheaper options, but the world champions aren’t going to take the money they want to pay. No disrespect, but to someone like John Ryder, who hasn’t earned huge money in his career, what they are willing to offer is life changing for him.

“Whereas for some of the other champions who have had good paydays, it isn’t. If Ryder does get it, I see the logic, because his name is well thought-of since the fight with me. If Canelo goes in and does a brilliant job on Ryder, they will say he handled him a lot easier than I did.

“It would be a smart move for him and he’s probably not in a position to demand huge money.”

Video: Mannix, Mora: What now for Canelo Alvarez?

Sergiy Derevyanchenko decided to face Jermall Charlo rather than Canelo Alvarez in his next fight, removing yet another prospective opponent for the Mexican star. Where does that leave Alvarez? Well, the most-appealing candidate at this point …

Sergiy Derevyanchenko decided to face Jermall Charlo rather than Canelo Alvarez in his next fight, removing yet another prospective opponent for the Mexican star.

Where does that leave Alvarez?

Well, the most-appealing candidate at this point probably is super middleweight titleholder Callum Smith, who would provide Alvarez the opportunity to win a title in a fourth division.

No realistic opponent beyond the British fighter — at least no one who has been mentioned — would excite fans hoping to see Alvarez face an actual challenge when he fights next in September.

DAZN commentators Chris Mannix and Sergio Mora give their thoughts on Alvarez’s prospects in this episode of Jabs with Mannix and Mora.

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David Lemieux: Canelo Alvarez ‘would be a great matchup for me’

David Lemieux said he’ll be at his best if he ends in the ring with Canelo Alvarez in September.

David Lemieux has been seen for years as a potential opponent for Canelo Alvarez, as they are both promoted by Golden Boy. Could it happen in September?

Lemieux reportedly is among those being considered for Alvarez’s next opponent, an idea the French-Canadian embraces. At the same time, he said he wants to get paid what he believes he deserves, which makes things tricky during coronavirus.

If it happens, Lemieux told BoxingScene.com, he’ll be ready.

“If we were to fight Canelo next, we would do everything I need to prepare,” he said. “I’ve been in the game for a long time, and I can build a camp to be in super shape for a fight against Canelo.

“The interest is there in a Canelo fight, and it’s been a fight that has been talked about for years. We were supposed to fight years ago. Until the contract is signed, it’s all talks.”

Lemieux (41-4, 34 KOs) has always been a dangerous fighter because of his power. However, he has fought only once since September since 2018 because of injuries.

And he didn’t look sharp in that one fight, his first as a full-fledged super middleweight. Lemieux went down twice against Maksym Bursak – once in the first and again in the fifth – but rallied to win a split decision in December.

Could he possibly give Alvarez a tough fight?

“He’s a great fighter, and is very strong and dangerous,” he told BoxingScene.com. “He’s very well-rounded. He’s a tremendous fighter who’s improved through the years. He’s not a stationary fighter, but he doesn’t run either. Styles make fights, Canelo would be a great matchup for me, and fireworks for the fans.

“I’ll be prepared for any scenario. And not just ready, but ready to win.”

That is if he accepts whatever offer he might receive.

“I want to get paid too, of course,” he said. “No one is going to be picking on me for a cheap fight. If that’s the case, I have some great people around me to make sure what’s due is due. We’re staying ready and prepared for Canelo.

He went on: “The [Covid-19] situation is terrible, but I have a family to feed as well. I will not be going way under the minimum purse [versus Canelo]. I do the fighting, my manager Camille Estephan does the calculating.”