By Craig Page: Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn states that Canelo Alvarez will fight Dmitry Bivol in May if the unbeaten WBA light heavyweight champion successfully defeats challenger Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez on November 5th in Abu Dhabi.
Hearn says that Canelo’s loss to Bivol last May was a product of him fighting with an injured left hand and perhaps underestimating him. Canelo (59-2-1, 39 KOs) used the wrong game plan by standing in from of Bivol (20-0, 11 KOs), throwing only signal shots.
You could hear Canelo’s trainer/manager Eddy Reynoso barking instructions to him between rounds, telling him to fight smart and not stand directly in front of him. Despite Reynoso giving Canelo sound advice, he failed to consistently follow what he wanted him to do.
“Canelo Alvarez is unrivaled as the biggest star in the sport, with the best resume in the sport. For me, he’s still pound-for-pound #1,” said Eddie Hearn to Fight Hub TV, praising Canelo Alvarez.
“Just because you move up to a division, you shouldn’t be in and get beaten. But also, don’t forget, I have a feeling Canelo Alvarez has been struggling with his wrist and stuff like that for a few fights now.
“I don’t think he was at his best against Bivol, and I think they might have underestimated him as well.
“It doesn’t mean it wasn’t a great performance by Bivol, but for me, a 100% fit and ready Canelo Alvarez against Dmitry Bivol is a different kind of fight.
“Hopefully, Saul gets himself physically ready, and if Bivol can beat Ramirez, you can expect to see the rematch in May.
“Canelo has kind of reached the stage now where ‘what is next?’ What else can you do for your career and your legacy?
“For me, fighting internationally, not just in Mexico, but fighting in London, fighting in the Middle East, fighting in Japan, wherever it’s going to be. That is what global great stars do.
“For me to see that at the Azteca would just be something very special. It’s difficult because a fighter at that level, you have to accept that you’re going to make half the money that you would do it in Las Vegas.
“Also, he’s a very proud man, and it would be very emotionally special for him to bring a fight back to his people,” said Hearn.
https://youtu.be/IgUk8QmvaJs?t=135