By: Hans Themistode
Ever since the moment Errol Spence Jr made his professional debut in 2012 in a relatively small show in Indio, California, the Dallas-born player has displayed immense confidence. But it’s clear that Spence Jr has absolute faith in his skills, it seems the powerful nampaw believes he can dethrone arguably the best boxer in the world.
After Alvarez’s 11th injury-time win over Caleb Plant in November 2021, the newly crowned undisputed super-middleweight champion became a wanted man. At one end of the spectrum, is Eddie Hearn. The longtime promoter suspended a three-match deal in the face of Alvarez. The first match against the Mexican star, will be a date with current WBA light heavyweight, Dmitry Bivol. If Alvarez leaves their competition unscathed, then he will move on to a bout with longtime rival, Gennadiy Golovkin.
For Alvarez’s third bout against Hearn, names like cruiser class champion Ilunga Makabu, as well as Joshua Buatsi were rumored to be the frontrunners.
As Alvarez weighed in on Hearn’s offer, Al Haymon from the Top Boxing Champion made his move. Initially, it was revealed that both Jermall Charlo, the current WBC middleweight champion, as well as David Benavidez, were both recommended for the Mexican star. However, Tom Brown of TGB Promotions, revealed that there was another name offered to Alvarez as part of their original package.
“Props go to Eddy Reynoso, ‘Manager of the Year’, for helping Canelo get these huge salaries with minimal risk,” Brown said. “He let him take the least risk for the highest reward. Because he got the chance to play the 160-pound reigning world champion in Charlo and he also got the chance to fight an undefeated, two-time former 168-pound champion in Benavidez. Or he could go up against the reigning welterweight champion. It was a $100 million deal.”
The defending welterweight champion that Brown is dodging, is the current unified prestige player, Errol Spence Jr. According to Brown, Spence Jr is ready to boldly come forward to take on Alvarez in the 164-pound arresting weight class.
Although Alvarez carefully considered his options, he decided to turn down Haymon’s offer in lieu of Hearn’s deal. Although Alvarez is currently bound by Hearn, he does not rule out the possibility of returning to the negotiating table with Haymon. In fact, if Alvarez accepts a future deal to face Spence Jr., the Mexican product revealed that he wouldn’t be willing to accept his weight claims.
“I don’t want to do things like that. Weight? 164, why me? I don’t have to.”
Despite Alvarez’s public refusal to drop to 164 pounds, Spence Jr seems to have moved on from his intention to face the star-pound-for-pound…at least for now. Just a few weeks ago, Spence Jr successfully added another world title to his collection, scoring a 10th-half goal against Yordenis Ugas. Since his win, Spence Jr has openly admitted that he is now eyeing longtime rival, Terence Crawford.
Ultimately, Alvarez continued to shy away from the idea of squeezing down to 164 pounds. However, he does not completely rule out the possibility of confronting Spence Jr. If of course, he is willing to meet him at his natural weight.
“168,” Alvarez continued. “I don’t need to do anything like that.”
