Canelo Alvarez’s search for May 4 opponent has become ridiculous

Canelo Alvarez has to combat somebody, proper?

The undisputed 168-pound champion and elite energy dealer is anticipated to defend his titles on Might 4 — solely two-plus months from now — in Las Vegas however no clear selection has emerged.

First it was Jermall Charlo. It appeared all however sure that Alvarez would would face the 160-pound titleholder in his second combat with Premier Boxing Champions, notably after Alvarez introduced he would tackle an “American.”

Solely it didn’t occur for no matter cause. Now it seems Alvarez has moved on. He reportedly has cut up with PBC, which represents Charlo.

Then unbeaten 168-pound contender Jaime Munguia of Mexico emerged as a number one candidate regardless of Alvarez’s “American” remark.

Promoter Eddie Hearn, who’s affiliated with DAZN, has pushed for an Alvarez-Munguia combat. ESPN even reported that Alvarez had agreed to face his countryman, who knocked out John Ryder on Jan. 27.

Nonetheless, no announcement has been made. And Oscar De La Hoya, Munguia’s promoter, stated he doesn’t consider the combat will occur.

“No likelihood. I don’t assume so, I actually don’t,” De La Hoya informed fight sports activities author Ariel Helwani. The remark doesn’t imply that Munguia is off the desk — who believes promoters? — but it surely raises doubt.

Now hypothesis surrounds Edgar Berlanga, who created a buzz by beginning his profession with 16 consecutive first-round knockouts. He’s coming off a sixth-round stoppage of Padraig McCrory, which was emphatic however didn’t imply a lot given McCrory’s limitations.

Hearn stated an Alvarez-Berlanga combat will occur however he didn’t say when. Berlanga has stated he needs to combat Alvarez and his aggressive model would swimsuit the champion’s. Nevertheless, he could be perceived as a pushover for Alvarez, which could alienate followers and restrict viewership.

Some would possibly say the identical about Munguia, though he’s a lot farther alongside than Berlanga is.

Pound-for-pound king Terence Crawford was talked about as a candidate — one who would generate appreciable curiosity — however Alvarez made it clear that he doesn’t need to face an opponent who could be shifting up three weight courses for the combat.

David Benavidez? Neglect it.

The previous two-time 168-pound pound champ is perhaps the one real looking opponent who may generate the sort of cash Alvarez calls for earlier than he steps into the ring.

The issue is that Alvarez isn’t prepared to just accept that problem, which is clear to Benavidez. The contender has agreed to maneuver as much as 175 to face former beltholder Oleksandr Gvozdyk, though they’re nonetheless understanding particulars.

Boxing author Dan Rafael reported that PBC was keen to pay Alvarez the cash he needed to combat Charlo however provided that he additionally agreed to face Benavidez in September.

The actual fact Alvarez severed ties with PBC clearly signifies that he wasn’t concerned with such an association, which makes us wonder if Alvarez-Benavidez will ever occur.

So to take stock: Alvarez has one potential opponent (Charlo) with whom he couldn’t attain phrases, two (Munguia and Berlanga) who wouldn’t encourage the followers, one (Crawford) who is simply too small and one (Benavidez) who many consider Alvarez goes out of his approach to keep away from.

All of this leaves us exasperated and fewer and fewer concerned with Alvarez’s subsequent combat, except he shocks everybody by dealing with Benavidez.

De La Hoya used the phrase “mess” to explain the state of affairs. That’s precisely what it’s.