Canelo Alvarez (49-1-2, 34 KOs) is already looking at several potential options for his scheduled return on September 15th in Las Vegas.
The initial target on his list was IBF, IBO, WBA, WBC middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin.
But last week, the negotiations for their rematch broke down as the two sides were far apart on the financial split. Canelo wants a 65-35 split, while Golovkin wants something closer to an even 50-50.
One of the top options on Canelo's list is WBO middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders (25-0, 12 KOs).
First, Saunders will have to come away - victorious and without injury - from his scheduled title defense against countryman Martin Murray on June 23.
Golden Boy Promotions President Eric Gomez, who promotes Canelo, has already spoken with Saunders' promoter Frank Warren.
Saunders made a statement back in December, when he traveled to Canada and dominated former IBF champion David Lemieux over twelve rounds.
Even after Saunders showcased a boxing clinic, Canelo has no issue with facing him.
“Canelo’s willing to fight him, no problem,” Gomez said to Boxing News. “He has no problem fighting BJ Saunders, we can fight. He can fight Danny Jacobs. There’s a number of other guys out there that Canelo can fight.
“We are talking to other promoters. There’s Danny Jacobs, Billy Joe Saunders, Jermall Charlo, Gary O’Sullivan and even David Lemieux.”
Gomez also states that Canelo's drug testing controversy is now in the past.
Canelo tested positive for the banned substance clenbuterol in a pair of tests that were taken in February - which saw him get suspended for six months by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. The looming suspension forced him to withdraw from the planned rematch with Golovkin on May 5.
Canelo has always maintained that his positive tests were a direct result of consuming contaminated meat.
“It was stressful [the fallout from the doping violation]. It’s something that’s obviously stressful to go through. I think it’s behind us now. We have to concentrate on getting the next fight set. That’s what he wants. He wants to get back in the ring and to prove that he’s one of the top fighters in the world," Gomez said.
2023-10-21 04:01:20
