DAZN Considers Jorge Masvidal and Khabib Nurmagomedov as Premium Opponents for Canelo Alvarez

The relation between Canelo Alvarez and his promoters and broadcasting partners is going through a rough patch right now. While Alvarez is ready to fight anyone, DAZN is looking for big money fights. For the same, they have even considered notable names from the world of mixed martial arts.

Canelo Alvarez is ready to fight anyone. Had it not been for the pandemic, he would have already fought either Billy Joe Saunders or Callum Smith. DAZN has approved the two names. However, as per the broadcasting platform, they don’t come under the bracket of “premium” opponents. Consequently, they don’t want to pay Alvarez $35 million for either of the fights.

The four-division world champ had inked a deal with DAZN that would give him at least $365 million for 11 fights. Alvarez is currently suing Golden Boy, Oscar De La Hoya, and DAZN for a breach of the same contract. He is seeking damages of at least $280 million.

The issue between the two parties is partly due to a clause in the contract which states that Alvarez will fight twice in a year, with one being against a premium opponent. The issue stems from the fact as to who is considered a “premium” opponent.

As per media reports, DAZN would consider Jorge Masvidal, Khabib Nurmagomedov, or even Oscar De La Hoya as a premium opponent for Canelo.

Oscar De La Hoya says Canelo Alvarez is ready to fight anyone

While DAZN is looking to maximize the revenue by putting Alvarez against someone like Gennady Golovkin, the former just wants to fight, regardless of the opponent. Despite the turmoil in their relationship, De La Hoya was on Alvarez’s side.

“In my mind, Canelo is willing to fight anyone, obviously, the way he’s proved it many times in his career. He’s willing to fight Billy Joe Saunders; he’s willing to fight Callum Smith. My frustration is DAZN,” the Golden Boy Promotions CEO said while talking to BoxingScene.com. However, the statement came just hours before he knew about the lawsuit.

De La Hoya also blamed DAZN for not living up to their end of the deal. He couldn’t understand how someone would not consider Smith or Saunders as “premium” opponents.

While a large part of the blame goes to the pandemic for the dispute, pundits also argue that the contract between DAZN and Alvarez was poorly written. Given the situation where the two parties are right now, it would make more sense for them to arrive at a settlement rather than leaving it at the hands of a jury.