2022 is going to be a big year, both for Canelo Alvarez and the sport of boxing itself, as the undisputed super middleweight champion of the world will be seen in action not only twice but also for a third time, as latest reports cited that the Mexican has secured a third fight deal with DAZN and Matchroom Boxing, with WBC cruiserweight champion Ilunga Makabu or former WBA interim super middleweight titleholder John Ryder as the likely options.
Canelo Alvarez vs Dmitry Bivol press conference to happen this Wednesday
On Friday, it was made public that Canelo Alvarez had signed a 2-fight deal with Matchroom for the year, that is going to see him make a return to light heavyweight and take on WBA champ Dmitry Bivol on May 7th, followed by a much-awaited trilogy fight with unified middleweight champ, and Eddie Hearn of Matchroom has confirmed that the press conference for the Canelo vs Bivol fight will be taking place this Wednesday in San Diego.
“I am absolutely delighted to announce a two-fight deal with the pound-for-pound king of boxing, Canelo Alvarez, Eddy Reynoso, Matchroom Boxing, and DAZN,” Eddie Hearn revealed to iFL TV on Friday, “We’re back together and ready to go on May 7th against Dmitry Bivol. Of course, we know Gennadiy Golovkin in September, should everybody win their upcoming fights.”
Hearn also added that a third fight is in the works and negotiations are underway with Canelo and his trainer Eddy Reynoso for December. Mike Coppinger of ESPN further cited that the deal is worth $160 million.
“A third fight being discussed with Canelo and Eddy Reynoso in December. So I’m absolutely delighted. Our man got the king of boxing, the pound-for-pound #1. Canelo and Matchroom are back together,” Hearn went on, “Two fights confirmed and signed and already looking at a third fight with Eddy Reynoso in December. But obviously, all eyes are on Dmitry Bivol next, the light heavyweight championship of the world.
“That’s going to take place on May 7th,” the British promoter said on the Bivol fight, “There’s going to be a press conference that’s going to be taking place in San Diego on Wednesday to confirm the venue and all other information around it.”
Canelo vs GGG 3 will be for the undisputed super middleweight championship
Following the Bivol fight, Canelo will face his former arch-rival, Gennadiy Golovkin on 17th September for their much-anticipated trilogy fight which will take place at 168 for Canelo’s undisputed crown. However, both Canelo and GGG have to win their Bivol and Ryota Murata fights respectively for the trilogy to happen.
“Obviously, the Gennadiy Golovkin in September, the trilogy for the undisputed super middleweight championship of the world,” Hearn continued, “Canelo has to take care of business against Dmitry Bivol. Golovkin has got to take care of Murata. We’ve got two mega-fights, and I can’t wait.”
Canelo’s third fight in December against Makabu or Ryder to take place in London
Regarding the third fight, Hearn said London to be the venue and named WBC cruiserweight champion Ilunga Makabu and former WBA interim super middleweight titleholder John Ryder as the likely options. Makabu had been on the talks about facing Canelo for weeks already, and Ryder, the WBA mandatory is now considered as another alternative.
“The third fight [for Canelo in 2022], we’re talking about Makabu and John Ryder will be the mandatory. That’ll be a fight in London as well,” Hearn concluded. [H/T BoxingNews24.com]
Highlights:
- Canelo Alvarez has signed a third fight deal with DAZN and Matchroom which will see him face either Ilunga Makabu or John Ryder in December, after his upcoming bouts against Dmitry Bivol and Gennadiy Golovkin
- Canelo will face Bivol on 7th May for the WBA light heavyweight championship, followed by a trilogy fight with GGG to defend his undisputed crown at 168
