Canelo Alvarez is set to face Callum Smith to unify the WBA super-middleweight titles on December 19 at a location to be determined, both camps announced on Tuesday.
Alvarez came down from one weight category, since he won the WBO light heavyweight title in November 2019, , that is to say in the super middleweight of which he has been the regular WBA champion since 2018, against Smith, who is the super champion of the same federation, which awards several titles in the same weight category.
The winner will have the merit of putting an end to any confusion about the identity of the true WBA champion.
Canelo’s return has been delayed due to a dispute between him and promoter Oscar de la Hoya, with whom he signed a five-year, $ 350 million contract in 2018 to join the DAZN streaming platform in October. 2018.
Although having separated this contract with Golden Boy Promotions, De la Hoya’s company, his fight with Smith will still be broadcast on this platform. The exact location is to be announced shortly, several media claiming that it will probably take place in Texas.
“Make no mistake, Smith is the best of a lifetime for Canelo. Smith is bigger in size, stronger, undefeated.” former British boxers Tony Bellew said.
Canelo currently holds world champion in four different categories super-welterweight, middleweight, super-middleweight, light-heavyweight, he has a record of 53 wins including 36 before the limit, 2 draws and 1 defeat.
Smith is unbeaten in 27 fights and 19 KOs. He does not appear to be the favourite of this fight, but will be keen to avenge his brother Liam, knocked out by Alvarez in 2016 for the WBO Super Welterweight title.
