Promoter Eddie Hearn this week revealed a possible date for Saul ‘Canelo’ Álvarez’ return to the ring, as well as who the Mexican star has his eyes on.
Speaking at fight week in Abu Dhabi for Canelo foe Dmitry Bivol’s meeting with Gilberto Ramirez, Hearn told Marca that a date in May was on the cards for his marquee attraction – and that Bivol was still very much in the undisputed super middleweight king’s crosshairs. The Mexican superstar has recently underwent successful surgery on his left wrist.
“I spoke with Saul a few days ago and he told me that he can start punching in 2 months. So there’s no reason why he can’t return to the ring in May, but it depends on the opponent he’s going to face.”
“The fight against Bivol is very difficult for ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, but he will definitely try to avenge that defeat, it’s for legacy.”
Bivol handed Canelo his first defeat in almost a decade, winning a unanimous decision when the pair locked horns back in May. The Russian then successfully defended his WBA light heavyweight title against Ramirez on Saturday, unsurprisingly prompting a barrage of questions about a potential rematch Alvarez.
However, Bivol indicated he would prefer an undisputed clash with countryman Artur Beterbiev, holder of the other three light heavyweight belts.
Although their initial meeting was at 175lb, Eddie Hearn told reporters that a rematch between Canelo and Bivol at super middleweight was a possibility, which would give Bivol the opportunity to become a belt holder in two weight classes as well as fulfilling his desire to become an undisputed world champion.