A few weeks after parting ways with Golden Boy Promotions — as well as his $365 million dollar deal with DAZN — Saul “Canelo” Alvarez is ready to mount a comeback. Promoter Eddie Hearn announced on Twitter that Alvarez will return on Dec. 19, 2020 to face Callum Smith in a unification bout for the WBA Super Middleweight championships.
While a location has yet-to-be determined, it is expected to take place somewhere in Texas, a state that recently started taking combat license applications to stage events with a limited capacity of fans in attendance. And in an ironic twist, the fight will be streamed on DAZN, “Canelo’s” former partner.
How you ask?
According to CBS Sports, though no longer contractually-attached by a long term deal, Alvarez and DAZN are still open to working with one another in one-off fights. That’s why Hearns was able to broker the deal between the two parties.
“Canelo” hasn’t competed since knocking out Sergey Kovalev on Nov. 2, 2019, the same night Jorge Masvidal defeated Nate Diaz for the “BMF” title. Speaking of which, the power-punching pugilist wasn’t too pleased that DAZN decided to wait until UFC 244 wrapped before he was able to make the walk down to the ring.
Smith, meanwhile, is the current WBA and The Ring Super Middleweight champion and hasn’t tasted defeat so far in his career, going a perfect 27-0 including 19 wins via knockout. Along with being the WBO Light Heavyweight champion, Alvarez also holds the WBC Super Middleweight title, though his belt is considered the “regular” one, while Callum’s is consider the “super” version.
And that’s why Floyd Mayweather thinks there are one-too-many belts in boxing.
The fight will go down the same night as UFC Vegas 17 in Las Vegas, Nevada, which will feature a Welterweight bout between Khamzat Chimaev and Leon Edwards. That being said, it’s safe to assume DAZN won’t be hitting the pause button this time around.
