Promoter Eddie Hearn admits his company had few, if any, attractive opportunities to convince Canelo Alvarez to continue working with them.
Alvarez, the undisputed 168-pound champion, has fought the majority of his fights in the past five years under Hearn’s Matchroom ever since he cut ties with longtime promoter Golden Boy to become a free agent. But he pivoted away from Hearn earlier this year, when he signed a three-fight deal with Premier Boxing Champions, the rival company founded by powerbroker Al Haymon.
Alvarez’s first fight on that contract takes place Sept. 30 against Jermell Charlo, the undisputed 154-pound champion, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
In a recent interview, Hearn said his relationship with his former client was still healthy, but he acknowledged that there was virtually nothing appealing, as far as potential opponents go, that his company could offer to Alvarez to persuade him to remain.
“We talk socially every now and again, but he made the best move for his career,” Hearn said on The DAZN Boxing Show. “And I think he did make the best move. I didn’t have any options for him at all, really. As close as we are and as friendly as we are, it don’t really work like that. Once that offer got presented to him, I think he made the right decision.”
In addition to Charlo, Alvarez has a wealth of options at PBC, including Charlo’s twin brother, the middleweight titlist Jermall, and 168-pound contenders in David Benavidez, David Morrell, Demetrius Andrade. Even Terence Crawford, the undisputed welterweight champion, could be a potential option for Alvarez down the line.
Matchroom has a dearth of compelling fighters in and around the 168-pound division. Recent signee Edgar Berlanga, the once highly regarded prospect, is probably the company’s most marketable super middleweight.
Hearn appeared satisfied with his partnership with Alvarez and is hoping to link up with the superstar when and if his current contract with the PBC expires.
“I’ve long been a fan of Canelo Alvarez before we even represented him,” Hearn said. “We had a tremendous run of, what, five or six fights. We made him hundreds of millions of dollars. He made us a lot of money as well. I loved working for him. I think we did a brilliant job. I think he enjoyed his time with us and I hope, subject to how long he goes on for, that we get the opportunity to do it again.
“I’m sure we’ll catch up later this year,” Hearn added. “I hope he beats Charlo.”
Sean Nam is the author of Murder on Federal Street: Tyrone Everett, the Black Mafia, and the Last Golden Age of Philadelphia Boxing.