Eddie Hearn plans to announce Billy Joe Saunders v Canalo Alvarez after a successful defence of the WBC and WBA champion’s titles against Avni Yildirim.
The Mexican fighter will take on his Turkish WBC mandatory challenger at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida on February 27.
Assuming Yildirim is defeated, Alvarez is expected to fight WBO super middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders on May 8, ahead of an anticipated fight with 168lb IBF belt holder Caleb Plant later in the year.
Hearn, who is promoting the Yildirim fight and will promote any clash with Saunders, is excited for a busy year.
Speaking on Matchroom’s YouTube channel, he said: “It’s great to see Canelo so active, especially in the world we live in at the moment.
“I think it’s a real statement from him, coming out, mixing it up, and fighting. To be promoting Canelo Alvarez at the home of the Miami Dolphins is pretty special. We’re going to have 15,000 people there.
“Great opportunity for [Yildirim], and a great opportunity for Canelo to keep active and to make a statement hopefully ahead of a Billy Joe Saunders fight.”
The promoter hopes that he will be able to swiftly confirm a fight with Saunders after the Yildirim fight.
“I don’t think you’re going to see any commitment from Canelo Alvarez or an announcement before Avni Yildirim,” said Hearn.
“That’s the focus for him and Eddy Reynoso, but certainly, they want to unify and become undisputed. Billy Joe Saunders is a belt-holder with the WBO. So that’s where Canelo Alvarez is looking next, and we’ll get Billy there on the night to announce the fight.”