Canelo Alvarez’s WBC mandatory defence against Avni Yildirim is now unlikely to take place in Mexico.
The newly crowned WBA Super and WBC 168lbs champion had hoped to fight in front of his hometown fans in Guadalajara on February 27, but due to current Covid-19 restrictions any bout in that region would not allow spectators – socially distanced or otherwise.
The clash with Yildirim is now expected to head to America, according to ESPN Deportes, with Texas, where Canelo easily outscored Callum Smith last month, appearing the favoured destination.
The Mexican hasn’t boxed in his homeland since his 154lbs days when he halted Kermit Cintron in five rounds in Mexico City back in November 2011.
Canelo (54-1-2, 36 KOs) plans to fight in February, May and September this year with unification bouts on his mind after an expected routine win over former sparring partner Yildirim.
Main image: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom Boxing USA.