Amid $2.2 Billion Network Snubbing Boxing PPV Rumors, President Stephen Espinoza Remains Brutally Honest About “Fantasy Type Fight” Between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford

Ever since it came around, it has been one of the chatters fans of the sweet science have been keenly following. But with their fingers crossed. After all, they may not want Showtime, which boasts a network in the vicinity of $2.2 billion, to set aside a tradition that began thirty-seven years ago. However, at the other end, Stephen Espinoza, President of Showtime Sports, seemed far removed from the rumors. He remains satisfied with the Canelo Alvarez and Jermell Charlo bout’s conclusion. But when it comes to the Mexican icon’s next deals, Espinoza appears a bit circumspect.

Canelo Alvarez has faced questions about his performance during the last few fights. On September 30, he finally gave the impression that he had found his mojo back. The WBC had announced that David Benavidez would be the next mandatory challenger for his Super Middleweight title. But then he might have to reckon with a string of other challenges. One of them is Terence Crawford. Undoubtedly, the prospect is mouth-watering. But Stephen Espinoza has other thoughts.

Stephen Espinoza’s candid assessment: Canelo Alvarez versus Terence Crawford bout

Boxing News was talking to Stephen Espinoza to gather his reaction to Alvarez’s recent win and where other prospects stand in the grand scheme. Regarding the fight, he said that it was a prompt for everyone to understand that Canelo Alvarez remains one of the top five pound-for-pound boxers in the world.

Then, about Jermell Charlo, he mentioned how the Houston native found it hard to gain some traction through the fight. The reporter asked, “Canelo Alvarez is [is] not going to be short of suitors as he often is; David Benevides, Terence Crawford. Who can we expect to see next for Canelo?”

Stephen Espinoza said, “….you know, it is still a [a] fantasy-type fight. Like two guys who are performing at a very high level. You kind of want to, you know, throw them in the ring together and see what happens, but again, there’s a [a] lot a big weight difference, um, and [and] I’m not sure that is, you know, the matchup that makes the most sense, you know, but that’ll be Canelo’s decision.”

Espinoza replied that Canelo Alvarez had to make the final decision. The talk about the Crawford-Alvarez fight picked up steam after the former’s spectacular performance on July 29 against Errol Spence Jr. Otherwise, a couple of months earlier, the mere mention of such a lineup would have drawn laughter. However, he remains unsure whether that’s enough to make it work.

‘Bud’ on the hunt

Soon after he stopped Errol Spence Jr.’s campaign, the newly crowned and first-ever man to become a two-division undisputed champion expressed an interest in squaring up against either Canelo Alvarez or Jermell Charlo. Probably, he aims to become a never-heard-of three-division undisputed champion. And to that end, the Nebraskan also seems willing to risk moving up divisions.

Read More: Terence Crawford Opens Up About the Possibility of Fighting the Winner of Canelo Alvarez vs. Jermell Charlo

In the meantime, he heard a roar. Jermell Charlo called him out during the post-fight conference. But from the Omaha-born Southpaw’s response, the challenge barely enthuses him.

Have you gone through Espinoza’s comments on the Crawford-Alvarez fight? Do you agree with his views? Please share your thoughts and opinions with us in the comments below.

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