CANELO IN LA–AND BACK ON HBO!

Official Announcement at Golden Boy Presser

The big news in boxing today is that Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (44-1-1, 31 KOs) is returning to HBO.

The official announcement was made at a news conference held at the Golden Boy Promotions headquarters in Los Angeles with Canelo, Golden Boy Promotions Founder and President Oscar De La Hoya, GBP Senior Vice President Eric Gomez and HBO Sports President Ken Hershman all at the podium to discuss this new long-term agreement between the cable network, the promotional company and the Mexican superstar. A December bout will mark the beginning of this renewed partnership with HBO. An announcement of who his opponent will be will be made soon.

I had a chance to witness this special announcement attended by a room full of SoCal media. The mood in the building remained classy, upbeat and professional as De La Hoya spoke of this exciting and historic new beginning and re-pairing with HBO and Canelo. The popular redhead will be showcased on both HBO and HBO Pay-Per-View (PPV) broadcasts. The airings on “normal” HBO cable is a decision that will make boxing fans around the world happy. Oscar has fought more than 30 times on HBO and he is happy to have Canelo back on this network.

“Golden Boy is making sure the fans get to watch what they deserve,” the promoter said. Hershman and De La Hoya both agree that Canelo Alvarez will make history as he continues to rack up victories.

The junior middleweight (who turned 24 in July) is one of the biggest stars in boxing today with a huge fan base that has crossed over into the mainstream market. Canelo’s youth, talent and star quality is an unbeatable combination. With the move from Showtime to HBO, this paves way for the marquee matchups (Canelo-Cotto, etc.) that boxing aficionados would love to see. Canelo definitely draws a crowd whenever he fights; his likability factor is sky high and when some of his future fights air on non-PPV HBO, his exposure in the boxing universe will no doubt increase in huge numbers.

HBO’s Hershman and Golden Boy fully believe he will continue to rise as boxing’s next big superstar. Since making his pro debut at age 15, Alvarez has been victorious over a slew of fighters including Erislandy Lara, Alfredo Angulo, Austin Trout, Shane Mosley, Josesito Lopez, Alfonso Gomez, Carlos Baldomir, Matthew Hatton and more. And while he’s only 24 years old, his experience in the ring, his poise outside the ropes and his fan-friendly personality makes this transition an easy one.

During the presser Canelo expressed his satisfaction in re-joining the HBO team. “For all of my career, I have wanted to fight on HBO for one main reason–I believe it will allow more of my fans to see me in action,” said Alvarez. “Today marks a huge milestone for me, and I look forward to a long and successful partnership with HBO.”

HBO’s Hershman and Golden Boy spoke of Canelo making history during his boxing career. With this new move back to HBO, the steps will continue to form a legacy in the sport. At just 24, there’s time for Alvarez to continue to fight the best and silence any naysayers.

A former WBC and WBC light middleweight champ, the boxing world is now waiting to hear who the gladiator will be taking on next.

There’s been talk that Canelo will face Joshua Clottey in the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas on December 6 but Golden Boy stated no official announcement has been confirmed yet regarding this opponent and location. As it happens often in the sport, nothing is set in stone. Alvarez also says that he wants to fight in September and May on the dates that coincide with the Mexican holidays.

During today’s reception, there was also a rumbling amongst the crowd that the James Kirkland vs. Gabriel Rosado war (November 8) was not going to happen after all. Earlier, there was a lot of buzz that a Canelo-Kirkland clash could happen in December. With news of Kirkland not fighting Rosado, boxing heads are once again clamoring for fireworks between the two punchers. With the move to HBO, there are many more options in viable opponents that Canelo can face. De La Hoya also mentioned that this opens the door to other Golden Boy fighters possibly fighting on HBO, saying that many may want to follow in Canelo’s footsteps.

And fight fans are already anticipating a big Canelo-Cotto showdown with everyone hoping for a May 2015 showdown between the two warriors.

Only one thing is for sure. When Canelo laces up next, it will be on HBO Sports.

SO WHO DO YOU WANT CANELO ALVAREZ TO FIGHT?

Photos by Michele Chong