Dmitriy Salita has insisted that Vladimir Shishkin is a more worthy opponent for Saul “Canelo” Alvarez than is Edgar Berlanga.

Berlanga’s recent stoppage of Padraig McCrory, and reports that Alvarez is to leave Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) to return to Matchroom and DAZN, have again made the 26-year-old Berlanga and Jaime Munguia his likeliest opponents for the fights he is expected to have on May 4 and in September.

Salita Promotions’ broadcast agreement with DAZN recently commenced and Salita recognises that should Alvarez, 33, return to them after just one fight with PBC – an underwhelming defeat of Jermell Charlo – it is those who also fight on DAZN who are likeliest to be installed as opponents for the world’s leading fighter.

The promoter therefore believes that Russia’s Shishkin, 32, should be in contention, and for all of Berlanga’s marketability he is convinced that it is Shishkin who would present Alvarez with the greater test.

“The rumour on the street is that ‘Canelo’ is going to go to DAZN,” he said. “Vladimir Shishkin, who’s the IBF’s number two, Shishkin destroys Berlanga – it’s not even a fight. He just has to get exposure, but he’s one of the better super middleweights in the world and certainly one aligned with DAZN.

“Amazon are still getting into boxing. We don’t know how they’re going to feature it; how they’re going to market it. What I can say is that Canelo Alvarez is the biggest star in the sport, and I’m very happy that he’s [potentially] with DAZN. 

“As of today all of the biggest stars are with DAZN – Ryan Garcia; Canelo Alvarez; Anthony Joshua. DAZN is becoming the home for boxing, and Canelo Alvarez is the guy. Eddie [Hearn, of Matchroom] kept the relationship with Canelo, and was [potentially] able to pull him back into the mix.” 

David Benavidez is widely considered the most appealing opponent for Alvarez, the undisputed super middleweight champion. 

“The issue’s going to become finding credible opponents for him, which he needs,” Salita continued of Alvarez. “He needs super fights at this moment.”