Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez vs. Avni Yildirim - February 27, 2021

[Ruthless-RKO]

These articles somestimes..

[Enlightened-One]

These articles somestimes..

Boxing News 24/7 (aka EastSideBoxing) often publishes articles written by people that aren’t journalists.

Sometimes they do publish legit articles by boxing insiders, but most of the time they don’t.

Anyone can get an article published by that website, even apollo creed and onetimeonly.

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Fight confirmed.

Canelo has signed a one-fight deal with Matchroom to fight on DAZN against Yildirim on Feb 27.

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[Cent0089]

Canelo dealing with this trash mandatory 2 months after his fight with Callum Smith, like a boss . Beterbiev dealing with his trash mandatory one and half year after his fight with Gvozdyk. Still, Canelo will be the one who will get all the hate.
Hopefully Yildrim and his team will not get too much money for this.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Canelo dealing with this trash mandatory 2 months after his fight with Callum Smith, like a boss . Beterbiev dealing with his trash mandatory one and half year after his fight with Gvozdyk. Still, Canelo will be the one who will get all the hate.
Hopefully Yildrim and his team will not get too much money for this.

Fielding got £$1m guarantee.. to lost his fake belt.

[gregregegg]

Canelo dealing with this trash mandatory 2 months after his fight with Callum Smith, like a boss . Beterbiev dealing with his trash mandatory one and half year after his fight with Gvozdyk. Still, Canelo will be the one who will get all the hate.
Hopefully Yildrim and his team will not get too much money for this.

Funny if yildrims team stick to the WBC 30 or 40% mandatory split. and just know canelo wants all the belts and has enough money... would of been a weird negotiation.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Canelo dealing with this trash mandatory 2 months after his fight with Callum Smith, like a boss . Beterbiev dealing with his trash mandatory one and half year after his fight with Gvozdyk. Still, Canelo will be the one who will get all the hate.
Hopefully Yildrim and his team will not get too much money for this.

Funny if yildrims team stick to the WBC 30 or 40% mandatory split. and just know canelo wants all the belts and has enough money... would of been a weird negotiation.

Split only matters if it was purse bids. But it says a deal has been made anyway. I’m guessing they’re happy with what they’re getting. Will be a career high.

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Press Release

Saúl ‘Canelo’ Álvarez will defend his WBC, WBA Super Middleweight titles against Avni Yidirim on Saturday February 27 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, live on DAZN in over 200 countries and territories (excluding Mexico) or on cable/satellite pay-per-view in the U.S. and Canada.

Canelo (54-1-2 36 KOs) cemented himself as the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world and the top dog in the 168lb division with a dominant win over previously unbeaten Briton Callum Smith in San Antonio, Texas in December with the WBA, vacant WBC and Ring Magazine belts on the line in front of a sold-out socially distanced crowd in the Lone Star state.

The Mexican star declared after the fight his desire to become the undisputed champion at Super-Middleweight, but before targeting the remaining belts, the four weight World ruler must deal with his dangerous WBC mandatory Yildirim at the home of the Miami Dolphins and Miami Hurricanes.

“Avni Yildirim is a good boxer and I know we will put on an exciting fight,” said Canelo. “I’m very glad that we are able to bring this event to Miami, a short distance from where my hero, Muhammad Ali, trained. February 27 will be a great night for the sport.”

“On February 27, we take the next step in our journey to unify the Super-Middleweight division,” said Eddy Reynoso, Sport and Talent director at Canelo Promotions and Canelo’s trainer. “We will be facing our WBC mandatory opponent, Avni YildirIm. We are very happy with the alliance we have with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom to put on this bout together, especially in a new venue for us.”

Yildirim (21-2 12 KOs) has been biding his time to fight for the WBC title once again, having been frustrated in his last outing when his clash for the vacant crown with Anthony Dirrell in Minnesota in February 2019, with the clash ending in a technical decision win for Dirrell after he suffered a cut over his eye.

The 29 year old challenger will be aiming to shock the world two years on from that disappointment and does so in his third fight in the States and second in Miami, having beaten the ‘Road Warrior’ Glen Johnson in August 2015, and the Turkish star returns to the Sunshine State for the biggest night of his career.

“I am honored as a mandatory to fight again for the big green belt - thank you to everyone who is involved,” said Yildirim. “I always give my all – and everybody should be ready to see a war. I am coming to make my country proud – I am representing the whole of Turkey.”

Following a great night in San Antonio, Canelo teams up with Matchroom and Eddie Hearn for a two-fight deal starting with the clash with Yildirim, and Hearn is excited to develop the relationship with Canelo and his Ring Magazine trainer of the year and manager Eddy Reynoso.

“It is an absolute honor to promote the pound-for-pound number one and I’m so excited to head to Miami and the home of the Dolphins at the Hard Rock Stadium,” said Hearn. “Even in a pandemic, Saúl is looking to be more active than ever and in his plan to be undisputed he must overcome his mandatory challengers to keep his belt. Yildirim is the first of those challenges who will be attempting to dethrone the king on February 27. We look forward to a huge night of boxing on DAZN and the start of a huge year for Canelo.”

“How many fighters at this level return to the ring after two months? Canelo’s love for boxing and his fans is truly unique,” said Ed Breeze, DAZN EVP, Rights. “We’re thrilled to deliver our fifth consecutive Canelo fight to DAZN subscribers across the world.”

“We are excited to work with Canelo Alvarez, Matchroom and Eddie Hearn to bring world class boxing to Hard Rock Stadium for the first time in history with Canelo vs. Yildirim,” said Todd Boyan, Senior Vice President of Stadium Operations for the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium. “Canelo is one of the top athletes in the world and this live event in a socially distanced setting will be a special night for boxing fans.”

[bobcatbox]

Gotta hand it to Eddie Money.
Got Canelo and Joshua in the stable.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Gotta hand it to Eddie Money.
Got Canelo and Joshua in the stable.

He only partnered with Eddie cus he’s already with DAZN, plus he can put on an undercard for him. Simple really.

Eddie will go and say he co-promotes Canelo.

[gregregegg]

Why is it yildrem when from what i can see benavidez is ranked above him with the WBC??

[Betro09]

Why is it yildrem when from what i can see benavidez is ranked above him with the WBC??

He was promised for another shot after his loss against Dirrell. Which was a TD.

What a great work of keyboard by the way.

[Onetimeonly]

So DAZN, Fox and Showtime could potentially engage in a bidding war if they want Canelo to compete on their platforms for his next outing.

Unless I’m misunderstanding Canelo’s free agency status then isn’t every Canelo fight for the foreseeable future going to turn into a bidding war for the rights to broadcast?

I figured he’d collect a little DAZN money to bop Yildirim outta there but didn’t know that Yildirm was a PBC guy. If that’s the case it might become a showtime PPV co-promoted by PBC and maybe Eddie Money?

If Canelo wants to retain ownership of his titles, he has to face his mandatories. And they’ll likely be aligned with ESPN, DAZN or the PBC.

So you have to assume that if Canelo is obliged to face someone affiliated with Al Haymon, he’ll initially have to discuss terms with the PBC. And if they don’t come to an agreement, then the purse bid process would commence, which means that ESPN and DAZN could attempt to outbid their network rivals to stage the fight.

The same rule applies if Canelo is mandated to face an ESPN or a DAZN guy.

Personally speaking, I think Canelo is bigger than the titles. He doesn’t need them, but he seems to want them regardless.

So Canelo’s ambition to unify the 168lbs division is restricting his freedom of choice.

Networks can't partake in purse bids.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Unless I’m misunderstanding Canelo’s free agency status then isn’t every Canelo fight for the foreseeable future going to turn into a bidding war for the rights to broadcast?

I figured he’d collect a little DAZN money to bop Yildirim outta there but didn’t know that Yildirm was a PBC guy. If that’s the case it might become a showtime PPV co-promoted by PBC and maybe Eddie Money?

If Canelo wants to retain ownership of his titles, he has to face his mandatories. And they’ll likely be aligned with ESPN, DAZN or the PBC.

So you have to assume that if Canelo is obliged to face someone affiliated with Al Haymon, he’ll initially have to discuss terms with the PBC. And if they don’t come to an agreement, then the purse bid process would commence, which means that ESPN and DAZN could attempt to outbid their network rivals to stage the fight.

The same rule applies if Canelo is mandated to face an ESPN or a DAZN guy.

Personally speaking, I think Canelo is bigger than the titles. He doesn’t need them, but he seems to want them regardless.

So Canelo’s ambition to unify the 168lbs division is restricting his freedom of choice.

Networks can't partake in purse bids.

I think he meant bid in general.

Canelo-BJS/Plant are voluntary fights, will be no need for purse bids.

[Onetimeonly]

If Canelo wants to retain ownership of his titles, he has to face his mandatories. And they’ll likely be aligned with ESPN, DAZN or the PBC.

So you have to assume that if Canelo is obliged to face someone affiliated with Al Haymon, he’ll initially have to discuss terms with the PBC. And if they don’t come to an agreement, then the purse bid process would commence, which means that ESPN and DAZN could attempt to outbid their network rivals to stage the fight.

The same rule applies if Canelo is mandated to face an ESPN or a DAZN guy.

Personally speaking, I think Canelo is bigger than the titles. He doesn’t need them, but he seems to want them regardless.

So Canelo’s ambition to unify the 168lbs division is restricting his freedom of choice.

Networks can't partake in purse bids.

I think he meant bid in general.

Canelo-BJS/Plant are voluntary fights, will be no need for purse bids.

Perhaps, didn't read that way. Pretty specifically says purse bid process and networks bidding. Doesn't matter, I like winding the puppet.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Networks can't partake in purse bids.

I think he meant bid in general.

Canelo-BJS/Plant are voluntary fights, will be no need for purse bids.

Perhaps, didn't read that way. Pretty specifically says purse bid process and networks bidding. Doesn't matter, I like winding the puppet.

Oh crap! Didn’t read it was EO’s post. Wouldn’t have bothered to comment.

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[bobcatbox]

Shout out to you guys who picked Yildirim to win by TKO. That’s true fandom right there. Respect.

[Jeff_lacy_ko]

Lol boxing

Zhang should be fighting Takam . But its boxing so of course not

[Ruthless-RKO]

Lol boxing

Zhang should be fighting Takam . But its boxing so of course not

Takam is with Star Boxing. They’re manoeuvring his career their own way. Not like he’s some young boxer anymore.

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Shout out to you guys who picked Yildirim to win by TKO. That’s true fandom right there. Respect.

Probably just posters taking the piss.

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Press Release | Undercard Information

Julio Cesar Martinez will defend his WBC World Flyweight title against McWilliams Arroyo as the chief support to Canelo Alvarez’s defense of his WBC, WBA Super and Ring Magazine World Super-Middleweight titles on Saturday February 27 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, live worldwide on DAZN (except Mexico).

Martinez (17-1 13 KOs) puts his title on the line for the third time since landing the belt in December 2019 in a thrilling stoppage win over Cristofer Rosales, outpointing Jay Harris in Dallas in February and blasting away Moises Calleros in two rounds in Mexico City in October.

The all-action Mexican is raring to finally face his mandatory challenger Arroyo after having to pull out of a proposed clash with the Puerto Rican through illness in August. It is a huge night for the all-action champion, who turns 26 on Wednesday, as he finally gets to fight as the chief support to his stablemate Alvarez, whom he also shares a trainer and manager in Eddy Reynoso, after illness ruled him out of fighting on his card in December in San Antonio.

“I am so happy to be back in the ring again and I promise you a war with Arroyo in Miami,” said Martinez. “With the unification fights ahead of me, it is important to take care of my mandatory challengers and I expect a tough fight with Arroyo. I believe that 2021 will see me unify the division and become undisputed and I can’t wait put a smile back on boxing fans faces.”

Arroyo (20-4 15 KOs) has been ready to pounce on his shot at the title and win a World strap at the third time of asking. The decorated Puerto Rican amateur was edged out via split decision by IBF champion Amnat Ruenroeng in September 2014 and then fell to pound-for-pound star Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez in April 2016 for the WBC and Ring Magazine crowns in California.

The 34 year old ranked at number one in the WBC enters the bout on the back of three wins in 2019 having returned to Flyweight from a brief stint at Super-Fly, and the former World Amateur Champion is determined to end the talented Mexican’s reign in Miami.

“Finally, the fight is near, and I am sure the fans will enjoy another classic between Mexico and Puerto Rico,” said Arroyo.

“This will be another great classic between Puerto Rico and Mexico,” said Arroyo’s co-promoter, Miguel Cotto. “I am sure they will provide the fans a great fight and McWilliams will be prepared to rip that title away and bring it back to Puerto Rico.”

The undercard in support of Alvarez also sees Chinese Heavyweight star Zhilei Zhang make a quick return to action over ten rounds against Jerry Forrest.

Zhang (22-0 17 KOs) is back in the sunshine state after stopping Devin Vargas in four rounds in their clash in Hollywood, Fl. in November, and the 37 year old giant will look to take another step towards securing a huge fight in the glamour division with victory over Forrest (26-4 20 KOs), who took Carlos Takam the distance in his last outing in July.

“I’m very excited about this fight,” said Zhang. “February 27 is the highest profile card of the first quarter of 2021, and it will be an honor to be part of it. I can’t wait to get in the ring and wish the best of luck to my opponent Jerry Forrest. I am training full force. I will be ready.”

“Zhang is a good fighter with great size and technique, but I’ll be ready for this fight,” said Forrest. “2021 is a new beginning for me. Covid has made training difficult with many gyms shut down, but I’ve stayed in shape since my last fight. I’m now up at my manager’s gym in Ashburn, Virginia, and my trainers have been creating a game plan while bringing in sparring partners to match Zhang’s size and style. I’m excited about this opportunity and am looking forward to ending Zhang’s unbeaten streak.”

A host of young talents get the chance to shine on the card, led by Diego Pacheco. The rangy teen has raced to 10-0 with eight wins inside the distance, and the Super-Middleweight sensation will look to add another impressive win when he takes on Rodolfo Gomez Jr (14-4-1 10KOs) over eight rounds.

“I am excited to be back under the bright lights,” said Pacheco. “2021, it’s time to show everyone I’m here and I’m a problem for anyone at 168lbs.”

Alexis Espino (6-0 4 KOs) had a frustrating end to 2020 after losing out on two fights, but the 21 year old is ready to put that behind him and get 2021 off to a flier against Ashton Sykes (5-3 KOs)

“I am more than ready to fight on this amazing card and show what I been working on aside from the time I spent away,” said Espino. “it was a frustrating time for me at the end of 2020, but I am itching to finally show how much work I have been putting into this since I haven’t been in the ring due to recent cancellations.”

Former amateur sensation Marc Castro got his pro career off to the perfect start on Canelo’s undercard in San Antonio with a KO win, and the Fresno star goes again in Miami against Lester Brown (4-2-3 1 KO).

“I am ready to get back in the ring and I want thank God and my team for making it possible for being a part of the pound-for-pound king Canelo’s undercard once again,” said Castro.

Another successful amateur making his second appearance in the paid ranks is Miami’s own Aaron Aponte. The 19 year old won via stoppage on debut in October, and Aponte will showcase the his talents on a huge platform in his hometown.

“I’m super excited to be fighting at the Hard Rock Stadium on February 27 on the undercard of boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez” said Aponte. “It’s an honor to fight on such a massive event in my hometown and I’m very grateful to Matchroom and DAZN along with my manager Peter Kahn and the Fight Game Advisors Team for this opportunity. Stay tuned for the rise of Aaron 'Alien King' Aponte!!”

“This is a stacked undercard in support of the pound-for-pound king,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Julio Cesar Martinez is fast becoming a must-see attraction in the sport and an impressive win here will take him to another level – but McWilliams Arroyo is up for the challenge and is a dangerman.

“Zhilei Zhang can stake his claim for a massive fight at Heavyweight later in the year with victory over Jerry Forrest, and it is fantastic for the young talents on the card to be able to perform on this huge stage.”

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