Saul ‘Canelo Álvarez has announced that his next fight is a ‘done deal’ and will be under the PBC banner.
The undisputed super-middleweight champion is coming off a decision victory over John Ryder in Mexico, and has been linked with many names for his next outing.
Today he released a promotional clip on his Instagram that culminated in the words ‘Done Deal. September 2023.’ alongside the PBC logo. His last three fights have been promoted by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom.
For some time now it looked like the only man Canelo would settle for was Dmitry Bivol. He was unsuccessful in his step-up in weight against the Russian last year, suffering only the second loss of a 63-fight career so far.
It’s something he was desperate to avenge, but a dispute about the weight – Canelo wanted the same whereas Bivol was interested in challenging for his super middleweight belts – was ultimately too big a hurdle to get by.
He was then linked with David Benavidez, the man many feel is the only current challenge for him in the 168 ranks. Those talks ended before they had really begun.
Next was Badou Jack, the WBC Cruiserweight Champion. Jack removed himself from negotiations after Canelo’s team reportedly requested the fight be at a 180lbs catchweight – 20 pounds less than the championship limit.
That leaves Jermall Charlo. The current middleweight champion is a PBC fighter and, given the organisation’s involvement in Canelo’s announcement, all but confirmed to be the man in the opposite corner.
Charlo is undefeated and could, many feel, pose an intriguing threat to the Mexican. Two years inactivity is far from ideal, though, especially given the reports that it has been mental health related.
ESPN’s Mike Coppinger followed the announcement by reporting the PBC deal would be three fights, beginning with Charlo likely on September 16.
An official announcement is expected in the coming days