Canelo’s Ambitious Plans for December
Canelo Alvarez and his trainer/manager, Eddy Reynoso, have revealed ambitious plans for a fight in Japan this December, contingent on their victory over Edgar Berlanga on September 14th. Although the details of the potential opponent remain undisclosed, the prospect of Canelo fighting in Japan has generated considerable buzz in the boxing world.
The Unlikely Venue
Japan is not typically associated with fighters in Canelo’s weight class. This raises speculation about who his opponent might be. Some suggest a crossover fighter from another sport, given the lack of Japanese contenders in the super middleweight division.
Crawford Not an Option for Japan
A fight against Terence Crawford in Japan seems unlikely due to the potential revenue such a matchup would generate in the United States. His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, who has shown interest in organizing the fight, would prefer a U.S. venue to maximize viewership and financial returns.
Financial Expectations and Comparisons
Canelo’s asking price for a fight against Crawford is expected to be around $200 million, a figure inspired by Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s $240 million payday for his 2015 fight against Manny Pacquiao. Although Crawford is not seen as a draw of Pacquiao’s caliber, the novelty of the matchup could still attract significant attention.
Crawford’s Recent Performance
Crawford’s recent controversial decision win against WBA 154-lb champion Israil Madrimov has not bolstered his marketability. Despite this, casual fans might still be intrigued by the idea of Crawford moving up two divisions to face Canelo at 168 lbs.
Fan Preferences and Criticisms
Fans in the U.S. have expressed a preference for Canelo to take on more formidable opponents like David Benavidez. Canelo’s recent matchups have been criticized as mismatches, leading some to believe he is on a “retirement tour” and avoiding challenging fights since his loss to Dmitry Bivol in 2022.
The Trend of Exhibition Fights
The potential fight in Japan hints at a trend seen with other boxing legends. Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao have both participated in lucrative exhibition matches against non-boxers in Japan. This raises the possibility that Canelo might be considering a similar path.
Rodriguez’s Insight on Future Plans
Salvador Rodriguez of ESPN Knockout provided further insights into Canelo’s future plans. According to Rodriguez, Team Canelo is not close to accepting the offers from Turki Alalshikh, but if they defeat Berlanga, a December fight in Japan is likely. “The plan is to go beyond the American continent,” said Rodriguez on X (formerly Twitter).
Strategic Moves or Easy Paydays?
Canelo’s potential move to fight in Japan could be seen as a strategic career choice, exploring international markets and securing substantial paydays. However, it also raises questions about the level of competition he is willing to face at this stage in his career.
What’s Next for Canelo?
As the boxing world speculates on Canelo’s next move, the outcome of his fight against Berlanga will be crucial. A victory could set the stage for an intriguing bout in Japan, adding another chapter to Canelo’s storied career.
