Unified super-middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez is set to meet WBC mandatory challenger Avni Yildirim in Mexico on February 27, but hopes to face a more significant name in his next bout in May, according to manager and trainer Eddy Reynoso.
Should Canelo thwart former sparring partner Yildirim, he has targeted WBO champion Billy Joe Saunders, IBF king Caleb Plant or old nemesis Gennady Golovkin who he drew with then beat on the scorecards in 2017 and 2018 respectively.
Earlier this month, Canelo (54-1-2, 36 KOs) impressed with an emphatic decision win over Callum Smith to claim the WBA Super crown and vacant WBC title at 168lbs, having contractually agreed to face Yildirim next if he was victorious.
That bout could take place in Canelo’s hometown of Guadalajara and, if he wins as expected, the Mexican star plans to box again in May and September to compensate for a frustrating one-fight return in 2020 – due to the impact of the Coronavirus and a now settled contract dispute with former promoters Golden Boy.
“We first have to deliver on the commitment we made when we beat Smith. The winner of that fight had to defend against the mandatory challenger [Yildirim] in no more than 90 days,” Canelo’s manager and trainer Reynoso told ESPN Deportes.
“If people cannot enter the stadiums, which is what we want, I see it as being difficult to do, but it is our idea to go forward on our land, to Guadalajara.
“There is the Charros stadium, Jalisco, the Omnilife, the VFG Arena, even the Guadalajara Coliseum. We would like to fight in Mexico and in our land there are many options. We have a good relationship with everyone.
“Then for May, if we come out well in February, there is Billy Joe Saunders, Gennady Golovkin and Caleb Plant. They are the three that could be [the next opponent] in May. There are no secrets, it is what it is. So far I’ve only been talking to [promoter] Eddie Hearn for [February] 27.”
Main image: Matchroom Boxing USA.