Boxing: Eddie Hearn Names Canelo Alvarez Most Likely Opponent But Fight Date Unknown

Four-time division world champion Canelo Alvarez originally had plans to fight on Sept. 12 but promoter Eddie Hearn reveals that this is officially dead. The Mexican brawler's opponent has yet to know although it appears Callum Smith is at the top of the list.

Hearn has offered several names to Golden Boy Promotions as the possible next opponent of Alvarez. Among the names mentioned include John Ryder and Billy Joe Saunders. However, Smith has emerged as the plausible choice and someone that Alvarez allegedly prefers.

"I’m almost certain that Canelo Alvarez’s first choice is Callum Smith, of the people available," Hear said via Boxing Social.

Hearn even backed up that belief. He knows that if Alvarez beats Smith, it would make him the no. 1 168-pounder in the ranks. Hearns added that Alvarez loves to take on challenges although Smith will not come cheap. Smith is the Ring magazine champion and WBA (Super) champion and Hearn admits there is no way around that.

Saunders was the original opponent for Alvarez but begged off. A reason for that is the 30-year-old boxer needed to agree to a significant pay cut to go to America. Hearn already pointed out that the pandemic will force the boxing industry to make adjustments. That is one of them.

As far as when the fight will be held, Hearn admitted that all plans for a Sept. 12 clash are off the table. This is even though Smith appears to be training as if he is going to fight in September. If not the 12th, Hearn mentioned that a possible day to hold it would be on the 22nd of September.

"As difficult as it can be, fighters can say to themselves the 12th’s not happening, but maybe the 22nd will," Hearn said.

The name of Smith cropped up weeks ago via The Athletic's Pug and Copp podcast. The 30-year-old Briton was offered $5 million to face Alvarez but Smith wanted $6 million. Though the numbers are different they are not that far apart. Negotiations between the two camps should iron that out.

Aside from Smith, Saunders and Ryder, the name of Jason Quigley was also mentioned as a possible opponent. Unfortunately, Alvarez is not interested in facing the Irish fighter.