By Victor Salazar
New York - In front over 20,000 fans in New York’s Madison Square Garden, Canelo Alvarez (51-1-2, 35 KOs) made quick work of Rocky Fielding (27-2, 15 KOs) to win the WBA "regular" super middleweight title.
After missing close to a year due to a suspension stemming from a positive clenbuterol test that postponed his rematch with Gennady Golovkin (38-1-1, 34 KO’S) in May, Canelo has fought twice and looked impressive in a close majority decision victory over Golovkin and a destruction of Fielding.
Canelo recently signed a 5 year, 11 fight deal with streaming service DAZN worth $365 million dollars. With one fight in, questions arose over what fight should be next and the quality of opponent.
Before pulling out of his fight Saturday, all signs pointed to David Lemieux (40-4, 34 KOs). But the Canadian was rushed to the hospital because of dehydration and his handlers at Golden Boy have said that he will no longer campaign at 160 pounds.
Canelo can fight at 160 or 168 or somewhere in between. Along with DAZN and promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Sports, he has a list to choose from in between those divisions.
Hearn however wants him to fight Danny Jacobs (35-2, 29 KOs).
“Canelo is too good [for Rocky Fielding],” Hearn told BoxingScene.com “You’re talking about a world class fighter against a pound for pound great. He’s too good. It was a great atmosphere and great promotion and I was happy to be a part of it, a sold out crowd. Hopefully we work together again with Golden Boy and DAZN in May for the Danny Jacobs fight.
Hearn thinks it’s the logical move especially because Jacobs had a good victory in October winning the vacant IBF middleweight title.
“I think it’s the right fight,” explained Hearn. “DAZN wants the fight. The key would be the deal as always. That’s what we’ll be working on next week.”
According to Hearn, DAZN wants two big fights for Canelo next year.
“They’d like Canelo to fight Danny Jacobs then Golovkin next year. It’s up to Canelo. The biggest fight for Canelo outside the GGG fight is Danny Jacobs but it will be up to Canelo to see if he wants to take those fights. It’s a great fight. We also got Callum Smith. I don’t think Canelo stays at 168 but anything is possible.”