Canelo Alvarez done with Golden Boy and DAZN, what’s next?

Canelo Alvarez is no longer under contract with DAZN or Golden Boy Promotions, according to multiple sources. What’s next for the biggest star in boxing? 

Boxing trainer and manager Eddy Reynoso dropped a boxing bombshell when he tweeted that star Canelo Alvarez is a free agent. Now, there’s news circulating regarding his future.

Reynoso’s Nov. 6 tweet got everyone’s attention. It simply stated that Alvarez is a free agent, implying that his contractual obligations with Golden Promotions and DAZN are over. He offered no other details, but they are starting to surface.

ESPN was the first to confirm the validity of Reynoso’s tweet.

“Canelo Alvarez has been released from his contract with Golden Boy Promotions and DAZN, sources told ESPN’s Salvador Rodriguez,” stated ESPN’s report. “After many days of negotiations, representatives for Canelo and Golden Boy Promotions have reached an agreement to release the four-time champion.”

With the news dropped by ESPN, Alvarez is now searching for a new promotional home with an established fight broadcasting agreement in place.  The major players include Showtime or FOX in cooperation with Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) and a promoter like TGB or Top Rank boxing, which has a relationship with ESPN.

Matchroom Boxing is a major promotional outfit, but they have a U.S. streaming agreement with DAZN, who just broke up with Alvarez. He likely wouldn’t come anywhere near an outfit affiliated with DAZN.

Showtime is doing big business. They featured recent pay-per-view bouts, including Gervonta Davis vs. Leo Santa Cruz and the Charlo twins September double feature. Showtime’s working relationship with PBC would give Alvarez access to numerous notable opponents.

Top Rank has a healthy stable of fighters, but their super middleweights lack the depth of those managed by Al Haymon and PBC.

ESPN named Caleb Plant as the likely future opponent for Canelo Alvarez

ESPN’s report also mentioned Caleb Plant as the prime candidate for Alvarez’s next fight. They discussed Dec. 19 as an anticipated fight date.

“A source told Rodriguez that Alvarez and his team are targeting a return to the ring Dec. 19 against IBF super middleweight titlist Caleb Plant, who fights for Premier Boxing Champions,” stated ESPN.

It’s rumored that Golden Boy and DAZN were also reserving that date for an Alvarez return if they could mend their relationship with the disgruntled fighter. They were probably also considering Plant as a potential opponent in cross-promotional production.

Alvarez can make weight as a middleweight, super middleweight, or light heavyweight. He currently holds the WBA “regular” super middleweight title, which he won in 2018 after defeating Rock Fielding. He has yet to defend that title.

A bout with IBF super middleweight champion Plant would be a megafight that would bring in lots of pay-per-view revenue. Alvarez is boxing’s biggest name, and Plant is undefeated and would add intrigue.

Showtime and PBC with a promotional partner like TGB could also offer former WBC super middleweight champion David Benavidez or Jermall Charlo at middleweight. Based on ESPN’s reporting, it looks like Plant is the frontrunner for Alvarez.

Don’t look for Alvarez to sign a multi-fight deal with any promotional company. His turbulent times with Golden Boy have likely left him shellshocked. Alvarez would best be served by signing one-off fight contracts or creating his own promotional empire like Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Building a promotional company takes time and money, so renting out his services to the highest bidder makes the most sense for now. Regardless, Alvarez is free and looking to fight again soon. Expect a spectacular bout to be announced shortly.

Follow along with FanSided for all your boxing news.