As previously reported on BoxingScene.com, Mexican superstar Saul “Canelo” Alvarez will return to the ring on December 19th, likely in Texas, in a high stakes fight against WBA super middleweight champion Callum Smith.
Canelo, who holds the WBA's middleweight title, is also the WBA's "regular" champion at 168-pounds.
Canelo was last seen in the ring in November 2019, when he moved up by two weight divisions and knocked out Sergey Kovalev for the WBO light heavyweight title, which was vacated not long after.
Smith's last ring appearance also took place in November of last year, when he struggled to win what some felt was a controversial twelve round decision win over John Ryder.
Canelo was initially scheduled to return in May, but the event was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
He was then booked to fight in September - with that ring appearance falling out when Canelo initiated a legal action to break away from his contracts with Golden Boy Promotions and DAZN.
Two weeks ago, a deal was reached and Canelo was released from both contracts.
However, the upcoming fight with Smith will be carried by DAZN. Canelo's future fights will likely go to the highest bidder.
Smith has been hunting for a shot at Canelo for some time.
“If I clean out the super middleweight division and if he’s in that division then I’m the only fight for him,” Smith stated to PA News earlier this year.
For Smith, the honor of his fighting family will be on the line.
Back in September of 2016, Canelo knocked out Smith's older brother, Liam Smith, to capture the WBO junior middleweight title at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Smith is confident that he'll avenge his brother's loss.
“I’ve been wanting a big fight since becoming world champion, so I’m pleased that during these challenging times we can deliver to the fans a fight between the very best in the division," Smith said.
“I truly believe I [will] beat him and will prove that 168-pounds is my division.”
