Saul ‘Canelo’ Álvarez has signed a three-fight deal with Premier Boxing Champions following an extended partnership with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom.
The Mexican is thought to be first facing Jermall Charlo in a defence of his undisputed super-middleweight title, and the fight following could potentially see him in with two-time champ, David Benavidez.
However the deal plays out, Canelo has signed on the dotted line, putting an end for now to his relationship with Hearn, who has promoted six of his last seven fights – the exception being the PBC-handled undisputed fight with Caleb Plant in 2021.
Hearn told Seconds Out that he was ‘obviously gutted’ he wouldn’t be working with the pound-for-pound star in the near future, but understood the decision lay in the opportunities PBC can offer from its roster of fighters.
Speaking to Boxing Social, he admitted it was a good move.
“I think it’s a good move for him. We never made him an offer, we didn’t have a fight for him for September. We were asked to make the Bivol fight – that wasn’t possible. I don’t know the details – if it’s Charlo, Benavidez, two fight, three fight – but he’s got to make his move.
I spoke to him last night and wished him all the best … It’s been an amazing run. I’m sure we’ll work together again.”
Looking on the bright side, Hearn believed the cash freed up will allow him to put together some big events for his broadcast partner, DAZN.
“We’ve been looking at [big fights] but we haven’t been able to pull the trigger on any of them because we’re waiting on seeing what’s happening with Canelo. Now that we know we can look at that period, particularly over the next year, we have that budget in place to try and make those big fights.”
Canelo is widely expected to face Charlo in his September bout to kick off the new partnership, and an official announcement is expected soon.