Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez vs. Billy Joe Saunders - 8 May 2021

[Ruthless-RKO]

Sky have got to be getting pissed off. He’s absolutely taking the mick.

I rememebr reading Hearn say, Sky didn't want it..

[mickey1975]

Sky have got to be getting pissed off. He’s absolutely taking the mick.

I rememebr reading Hearn say, Sky didn't want it..

Or Callum Smith, or Luke Campbell? What are we paying for? Courtneay-Bridges.....

[Ruthless-RKO]

Sky have got to be getting pissed off. He’s absolutely taking the mick.

I rememebr reading Hearn say, Sky didn't want it..

Or Callum Smith, or Luke Campbell? What are we paying for? Courtneay-Bridges.....

DAZN had first dibs on Campbell-Garcia.

Not sure about Cal-Saul.. Maybe it was due to the timing. Sky can't be bothered.

Unless it's in the UK.

Sky used to pick up the odd PBC cards from the US, they don't even look that way now.

[maverick23]

Sky have got to be getting pissed off. He’s absolutely taking the mick.

I rememebr reading Hearn say, Sky didn't want it..

Or Callum Smith, or Luke Campbell? What are we paying for? Courtneay-Bridges.....

Sky want the prime time U.K. fight nights and PPVs.

Obviously if Smith/Canelo, Campbell/Garcia or Billy Joe/Canelo were in the U.K. prime time then they’d do good numbers but they’d do less than 100k at 4am.

Campbell/Lomachenko apparently did crap on PPV so would Campbell/Garcia do much even off PPV? Probably not even if it was a good fight.

If DAZN was more expensive in the U.K. then they could still do PPV on Sky (similarly to what they do in the US) but at £1.99/month it’s pretty difficult to get people to pay £20 for it on Sky.

Sky probably aren’t too happy with it but if the fights aren’t on DAZN then they don’t happen.

I watched an interview with Kalle Sauerland the other day and he intimated at having big big news in the next few weeks. I could be well off the mark but it made me think he’ll be doing the U.K. stuff for DAZN if Eddie stays with Sky.

[Ruthless-RKO]

I rememebr reading Hearn say, Sky didn't want it..

Or Callum Smith, or Luke Campbell? What are we paying for? Courtneay-Bridges.....

Campbell/Lomachenko apparently did crap on PPV so would Campbell/Garcia do much even off PPV? Probably not even if it was a good fight.

Yeh, around 200k buys and that was primetime.

They hyped it well. All with Loma coming to the UK and it being Gold vs. Gold etc.

But only hardscore fans were interested, and not many in actually paying extra fo it.

[Frostieballs]

Or Callum Smith, or Luke Campbell? What are we paying for? Courtneay-Bridges.....

Campbell/Lomachenko apparently did crap on PPV so would Campbell/Garcia do much even off PPV? Probably not even if it was a good fight.

Yeh, around 200k buys and that was primetime.

They hyped it well. All with Loma coming to the UK and it being Gold vs. Gold etc.

But only hardscore fans were interested, and not many in actually paying extra fo it.

200k buys sounds quite good to me for that fight. I would have predicted less.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Campbell/Lomachenko apparently did crap on PPV so would Campbell/Garcia do much even off PPV? Probably not even if it was a good fight.

Yeh, around 200k buys and that was primetime.

They hyped it well. All with Loma coming to the UK and it being Gold vs. Gold etc.

But only hardscore fans were interested, and not many in actually paying extra fo it.

200k buys sounds quite good to me for that fight. I would have predicted less.

Probably would have had to payout decent purses too.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Canelo-Saunders lands in Dallas; 60,000+ fans

Canelo Alvarez and Billy Joe Saunders will clash in front of over 60,000 fans in a world super middleweight title unification blockbuster at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Saturday May 8, live worldwide on DAZN. Pre-sales for the blockbuster fight will start on Tuesday March 23 with general sale beginning on Friday March 26 at SeatGeek.com.

Mexican superstar Canelo puts his WBC and WBA Super titles on the line at the home of the Dallas Cowboys on Cinco de Mayo weekend, as British favorite Saunders brings his WBO strap across the pond and looks to extend his unbeaten pro record against Canelo in front of the biggest sporting crowd for over a year in the US.

[Ruthless-RKO]

As expected, Canelo-Saunders is headed to the home of the Cowbos.

As has been expected for at least the last few days, it’s now official: Canelo Alvarez vs Billy Joe Saunders will take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, May 8, with the fight streaming live on DAZN.

Canelo (55-1-2, 37 KOs) has fought at the home of the Dallas Cowboys once before, beating Liam Smith at the stadium in 2016.

“We are proud to host a boxing match of this magnitude as we welcome back Canelo Alvarez to AT&T Stadium to take on Billy Joe Saunders,” said Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. “AT&T Stadium was built to house the greatest sporting events on the planet, and we feel we have another incredible boxing event on the horizon with this matchup taking place in Arlington.”

Capacity will be increased for the event, so there won’t be 15-20,000 people for this fight, as we’ve seen at other stadium events in recent months. They’re advertising “over 60,000 fans” for the event.

“It’s an absolute honor to bring this huge event to the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on May 8,” said Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn. “Last year Canelo missed out on his historic Cinco de Mayo fight, and to bring over 60,000 fans together at this iconic stadium this year is a dream come true.”

Texas has increasingly become a strong presence in major boxing during the COVID-19 pandemic; however you feel about the state’s more relaxed rules about gatherings, it’s happening. This fight follows Davis-Santa Cruz, Spence-Garcia, Canelo-Smith, Garcia-Campbell, and Estrada-Chocolatito 2 as big fights to be held in Texas since last October, because fans have been permitted to attend, albeit not at full capacity.

[Ruthless-RKO]

OVER 20K CANELO-SAUNDERS PRE-SALE TICKETS SOLD ON DAY ONE

Over 20,000 tickets were sold on a record-breaking day one of the limited pre-sale for the blockbuster unification showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Billy Joe Saunders on Saturday May 8 at AT&T stadium in Arlington, TX, live worldwide on DAZN.

TICKETS REMAIN ON PRE-SALE UNTIL 10PM CT ON WEDNESDAY MARCH 24 AT SEATGEEK.COM – PRE-SALE CODE ‘MATCHROOM’

Canelo fights at the home of the Dallas Cowboys for the second time in his career and returns to his traditional Cinco De Mayo weekend date after COVID robbed him of that in 2020.

The Mexican superstar is aiming to take a massive step to becoming the first 168lb undisputed champion from his homeland and the stakes couldn’t be higher, as if he hands Saunders a first career defeat and takes his WBO crown, just one piece of the puzzle will remain.

Saunders, who will be completing his training camp in Las Vegas, will be looking to stop the rot for British fighters facing Canelo and grab the biggest win of his career to date against the 30 year old – it’s an occasion that has already captured the attention of fight fans, and promoter Eddie Hearn believes we’re heading for something special on May 8.

“Today we have seen record breaking numbers for what promises to be a huge celebration on Cinco De Mayo weekend,” said Hearn. “Canelo fighting on Cinco De Mayo has become a staple of the boxing calendar, and I am honored to be promoting this captivating fight at the home of the Dallas Cowboys.

“With one more day of pre-sale to go before the tickets go on general sale on Thursday morning, I am confident that we’re going to have a full house in the Lone Star state for one of the most important fights of 2021.”

Tickets starting from just $40 (plus fees) remain on pre-sale until 10pm CT on Thursday March 25, and tickets then go on general sale at 10am CT on Friday March 26 at SeatGeek.com.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Jessie Vargas Aims To Shine on Canelo-Saunders, Then Go After 154 Title

The last time former junior welterweight and welterweight world titlist Jessie Vargas was in the ring was in the main event of one of the final cards before the coronavirus pandemic shut boxing down for several months.

On Feb. 29, 2020, he faced four-division world titlist Mikey Garcia at the Ford Center – the training facility of the Dallas Cowboys -- in Frisco, Texas. Garcia knocked him down in the fifth round and won a competitive unanimous decision in an entertaining bout.

Garcia will return not too far from that defeat looking to put it behind him and in a new division.

He told Boxing Scene on Wednesday night that he will box on Canelo Alvarez-Billy Joe Saunders card on May 8 (DAZN) at AT&T Stadium – home of the Cowboys – in Arlington, Texas.

“We hope to line up as the co-main event. I think we have the recognition and the respect from the fans that we deserve a spot as the co-main event, but at the end of the day that’s up to my promoter (Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing) and what he sees as best,” Vargas told BS.com.

Vargas said he does not yet have an opponent locked in nor is the weight set but he plans on moving up to junior middleweight and soon after to middleweight.

“I’m not even certain if it will be 154, 155 or 156 pounds,” Vargas said. “That’s pending because things are just being set up with Eddie and my advisers (Guadalupe Valencia and Al Haymon). Eddie Hearn has taken care of me. He’s given me several opportunities and I appreciate it. I’ve been working with my team for years now and I just want to show them that I’ve elevated to another level this last year.”

Vargas said he attended Alvarez’s third-round knockout victory over Avni Yildirim on Feb. 27 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, where he worked as a commentator on DAZN’s Spanish-language broadcast team but also met during the week with Hearn to discuss the plans for his next fight and he was happy when offered a spot on the Alvarez-Saunders card.

He said it is time for him to move up in weight for good. Vargas (29-3-2, 11 KOs), 31, of Las Vegas, has been a pro since 2008 and has fought his entire career at junior welterweight and welterweight except for when he was 150 pounds for a sixth-round knockout of former world titlist Humberto Soto in April 2019.

Vargas planned for that to be his way of easing into the 154-pound junior middleweight division but when he was offered the fight against Garcia it was too good to refuse.

“I was successful and felt great (against Soto) but got the opportunity to go back down to 147 for a major, major fight,” Vargas said. “It was the biggest fight I had in front of me on paper at that time so we said, alright, we’ll go back down for one last fight at 147 and we did that. Everyone knows the result. It was a great fight that people loved. I felt comfortable at 154 but, honestly, it’s not that easy to make either.

“I can make it because I’m very dedicated to what I do. But you have to learn when to listen to your body and know when it’s reacting well and at the optimal level. During this pandemic I actually spoke to a few doctors during a Zoom meeting with the WBC and they informed me on several aspects, like how athletes need to have a certain amount of body fat. They gave me very valuable information.”

So, now it’s onward and upward in terms of the weight, Vargas said.

“I fought at 141 in the amateurs when I was 14 years old,” Vargas said, noting that he had already fought several welterweight bouts before dropping back down to junior welterweight to challenge Khabib Allakhverdiev for a world title in 2014. Vargas won the fight by decision and made two defenses before returning to welterweight, where he nearly knocked out Timothy Bradley Jr. in the final seconds but lost a decision in an interim title bout.

After that loss, Vargas upset Sadam Ali, knocking him out in the ninth round to win a welterweight world title in 2016, which he lost by decision in his first defense against Manny Pacquiao later that year.

Vargas is 2-1-2 since, including a disputed draw with Adrien Broner and a draw with Thomas Dulorme in an all-action fight, Vargas’ first after signing with Hearn when he was launching his series of fights on DAZN.

At junior middleweight and middleweight, Vargas said he has one goal.

“My goal is to become world champion once again,” said Vargas, who believes his 5-foot-11 frame will handle the weight without any issues. “At 154 it can be done. Yes, we know who has the titles right now (unified champion Jermell Charlo and Brian Castano) but those are fights I believe can be made. My team can make it happen if we pursue it.”

But first comes his return on Canelo’s show.

“I want to have a good performance on May 8 and after that I’ll look for a world title, whether it’s at 154 or 160,” Vargas said. “At 160 you have (Demetrius) Andrade, GGG (Gennadiy Golovkin); you have (Ryota) Murata and (Jermall) Charlo. Those are fights that can be made. I feel good in those divisions. I’m gonna show what I’m about at 154 and 160, that they are weights that are not too big for me.

“I’m putting everything in in this second stage of my career. I want to show everybody how much I’ve improved over this last year after my previous fight. I think my power is going to show in the new weights because nothing is holding me back. I’ll fight anyone. I’m not afraid of anyone in those divisions. I am positive and certain that come May 8 you’re gonna see a different Jessie Vargas. The power is going to be a big asset in this second part of my career. I think it will surprise a lot of people. I have much more left in me. This is going to be the best part of my career coming up.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

WBC Creating The 'Mestizo' Title For The Bout

Next month, a three belt collision will take place when WBC, WBA super middleweight champion Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez takes on WBO beltholder Billy Joe Saunders.

The event takes place on May 8th from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

According to World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaiman, the sanctioning body will create a special belt for the match - the Mestizo title.

The WBC has a tradition of creating "special" belts for fights that involve one of their champions - and they even create titles for high profile matches that only involve rival sanctioning bodies.

"Our great champion Saul Canelo Alvarez continues his plan to unify the super middleweight division by facing the WBO champion, British boxer Billy Joe Saunders, on May 8 at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium," said Sulaiman.

"During this fight, it's going to be where the World Boxing Council will give the world another piece of art, the beautiful Mestizo belt, made by the State of Mexico.

"As you may know, the WBC commemorates the two great Mexican dates (Cinco De Mayo in May and Mexican Independence Day in September), as the most important fights of the year are held on these dates and magnificent (title) pieces from various cultures have been created (for these fights).

"First it was the Huichol, then Chiapas, then the Mayan culture , and last year it was dedicated to the State of Mexico with the Mazahua and Otomi belts. As there were no fights in 2020 due to the pandemic, we agreed to dignify this entity in 2021, and very soon we will present the Mestizo (title)."

[maverick23]

WBC Creating The 'Mestizo' Title For The Bout

Next month, a three belt collision will take place when WBC, WBA super middleweight champion Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez takes on WBO beltholder Billy Joe Saunders.

The event takes place on May 8th from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

According to World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaiman, the sanctioning body will create a special belt for the match - the Mestizo title.

The WBC has a tradition of creating "special" belts for fights that involve one of their champions - and they even create titles for high profile matches that only involve rival sanctioning bodies.

"Our great champion Saul Canelo Alvarez continues his plan to unify the super middleweight division by facing the WBO champion, British boxer Billy Joe Saunders, on May 8 at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium," said Sulaiman.

"During this fight, it's going to be where the World Boxing Council will give the world another piece of art, the beautiful Mestizo belt, made by the State of Mexico.

"As you may know, the WBC commemorates the two great Mexican dates (Cinco De Mayo in May and Mexican Independence Day in September), as the most important fights of the year are held on these dates and magnificent (title) pieces from various cultures have been created (for these fights).

"First it was the Huichol, then Chiapas, then the Mayan culture , and last year it was dedicated to the State of Mexico with the Mazahua and Otomi belts. As there were no fights in 2020 due to the pandemic, we agreed to dignify this entity in 2021, and very soon we will present the Mestizo (title)."

Who gives a shit about these stupid title belts? Completely unnecessary and a waste of money.

[MightyWarrior]

Junior - as dumb ass kids with rich dads are called in Mexico - really is a prize idiot.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Canelo vs Billy Joe Saunders UK radio coverage confirmed

Matchroom confirm a three-show UK radio deal that includes coverage of Canelo vs Billy Joe Saunders

BBC Radio 5 Live will broadcast three huge fight nights live on the radio, kicking off this weekend with Demetrius Andrade defending his WBO World Middleweight title against Liam Williams in Florida on Saturday night, then from Manchester on May 1 with the stacked card led by the Heavyweight clash between Derek Chisora and Joseph Parker and Katie Taylor’s undisputed Lightweight defence against Natasha Jonas, and the blockbuster World Super-Middleweight unification clash between Canelo Alvarez and Billy Joe Saunders from Texas on May 8.

Andrade (29-0 18 KOs) puts his title on the line for the fourth time against Welsh mandatory challenger Williams (23-2-1 18 KOs) and fight fans in the UK will be able to tune into the crunch battle from 11pm GMT on the BBC on Saturday night.

On May 1, it’s a huge night of action in Manchester as Heavyweight favourite Chisora (32-10 3 KOs) faces former World ruler Parker (28-2 21 KOs), undisputed World Lightweight champion Taylor (17-0 6 KOs) defends her titles against Jonas (9-1-1 7 KOs) in a rematch of their 2012 Olympic scrap and WBA World Light-Heavyweight king Dmitry Bivol (17-0 11 KOs) defends his crown against Londoner Crag Richards (16-1-1 9 KOs).

One week later, the biggest fight of the year so far takes place at the home of the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas as pound-for-pound king Alvarez (55-1-2 37 KOs) battles unbeaten Briton Saunders (30-0 14 KOs) for the WBC, WBA Super, WBO and Ring Magazine straps at 168lbs.

Louise Sutton, 5 Live Sport Editor, said: “BBC Radio 5 Live Boxing has provided superb live coverage of some colossal fights over this past year, with many more to come. This deal with Matchroom confirms another three thrilling nights of action for fans to enjoy, including some of the most anticipated fights of the year. We’re delighted to be providing UK boxing fans with live free-to-air coverage of each head-to-head, alongside expert analysis, opinion and some special guests.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn said: “I am delighted that BBC Radio 5Live will be covering these three massive nights of action. Andrade vs. Williams is a great fight in Florida on Saturday, as Demetrius aims to make a statement and Liam can become Wales’ 13th World champion.

“The May 1 show is a monster. It’s topped by the Heavyweight showdown between Chisora and Parker which is sure to set fire early and leads a stacked bill with two great World title fights in Taylor vs. Jonas and Bivol vs. Richards.

“Completing the trio is the biggest fight of the year so far, as the pound-for-pound boss Canelo Alvarez taking on the UK’s finest in Billy Joe Saunders in front of over 70,000 fans on Cinco De Mayo weekend in Dallas on May 8 – that is going to be an unforgettable occasion and a mammoth fight.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

[mickey1975]

Billy’s dad seriously unimpressed with the treatment from Hearn. He has a few good points. On Boxing Social.

[stujones]

Billy’s dad seriously unimpressed with the treatment from Hearn. He has a few good points. On Boxing Social.

I don't blame him at all and I am being hypocritcal as if I was in Eddie's position I'd be doing EXACTLY the same - but the guy has spoken with such integrity about drugs cheats in the past..... but when it comes to cash cows - he forgets about it, so I am disappointed in how he is sucking up to Canelo (but I don't blame him as I said, he is the biggest box office attraction in boxing).

[maverick23]

Billy’s dad seriously unimpressed with the treatment from Hearn. He has a few good points. On Boxing Social.

I haven’t seen the one with Billy’s dad but saw the one with Billy Joe.

His 2 criticisms were about Hearn negotiating with Plant and not having an English judge.

The Plant one could work in his favour too. If Billy Joe beats Canelo that he’ll be the star in the division. Hearn’s making sure he stays involved with Canelo and is doing all he can to keep him sweet. I see why Billy Joe’s a bit pissed off but what he’s doing makes sense.

Re: the English judge, if it’s in the contract then fair enough. If it’s not then it’s difficult - the commissions there do what they hell they want.

[mickey1975]

Negotiating a fight with limited crowd then selling 70,000 is a bit much. Wants BJS to pay for Tibbs cut man and second to fly out.

[mickey1975]

According to Tom, he said he’d head from a very good source that Hearn said BJs would “F things up” if he won.
Billy really can’t win this.

[Boxerbeetle]

Absolutely no way Saunders is winning this, regardless. I can’t imagine a single scenario where he wins.

[maverick23]

Negotiating a fight with limited crowd then selling 70,000 is a bit much. Wants BJS to pay for Tibbs cut man and second to fly out.

It was clear things were opening up again in the US even before the fight was announced. They had 15,000 for Canelo/Yildirim so were always going to get either a site fee from Vegas with a smaller crowd or a bigger crowd in Texas. All of the discussions re: location were Vegas or Texas so I’m not quite sure why Billy thought there’d be a limited crowd.

[MightyWarrior]

Slippery Eddie Hearn going back on the agreement there was going to be a British judge ..what a snake

Billy Joe is coming to win, I really hope he puts on a show & wipes that smug look off Canelos face

[margaret thatcher]

billy joe is scum, canelo will beat him easy and i'll be glad