Hearn Hopes Canelo-Golden Boy Rift Can Be Resolved in Time For 2020 Bout

Promoter Eddie Hearn is hoping Canelo Alvarez can resolve his legal issues with Golden Boy Promotions in a timely manner.

Last week, Canelo filed a $280 million breach of contract lawsuit against his promoter, Golden Boy Promotions, Golden Boy's CEO Oscar De La Hoya, and streaming service DAZN.

The lawsuit is currently stalled due to a technicality in the complaint filed by Canelo's legal team.

Hearn works with several fighters who are potential opponents for Canelo. And that list of opponents includes Gennadiy Golovkin, Callum Smith, Billy Joe Saunders, Daniel Jacobs, Demetrius Andrade.

Both Smith and Saunders were in the running to fight Canelo on a date in November, which is looking unlikely with a legal battle in the background.

A lengthy legal fight can delay Canelo's ring return for a significant period of time. Canelo has been out of the ring since November of 2019, when he knocked out Sergey Kovalev to capture the WBO light heavyweight title.

"It's always messy when a fighter and a promotional company end up in the courtroom. It's nice to avoid it. We want to see him back in the ring particularly because the two fights there for him are Callum Smith and Billy Joe Saunders, two of our guys. I want them to have the opportunity to fight Canelo," Hearn told Sky Sports.

"Hopefully it gets resolved and we see Canelo back in the ring - he's one of the biggest stars in world boxing and is a terrific fighter. I think the plan is still for Canelo to box in November, or at least this year. If he does, I've got my fingers crossed they pick Callum or Billy.

"If they don't, they should fight each other. But if there's no fans, how do you do Smith vs Saunders? Right now it's about keeping the fighters active but also recognising some fighters are better for 2021."