CANELO Alvarez could face Bruno Surace ahead of his blockbuster showdown with Terence Crawford in September, says ESPN boxing journalist Mike Coppinger.
While an official announcement is yet to surface, it was reported earlier today that the super-middleweight king is set to lock horns with Crawford, 41-0 (31 KOs), in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Along with this came a social media post from boxing power broker Turki Alalshikh that Canelo, 62-2-2 (39 KOs), has also signed a four-fight deal with Riyadh Season.
According to The Ring Magazine – now owned by Alalshikh – the Mexican’s next outing will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, before his clash with Crawford this September.
And while an opponent for his slated date of May 4 is yet to be confirmed, two possible names have nonetheless been mentioned by Coppinger.
One of which is Jermall Charlo, who has not fought since his unanimous decision victory over Jose Benavidez Jr back in 2023.
Perhaps representing a more realistic option, meanwhile, is Surace, 26-0-2 (5 KOs), who comes off a stunning performance to halt former world champion Jaime Munguia.
Despite entering their clash last December as an almighty underdog, Surace announced himself on the world stage with an awe-inspiring sixth-round finish on away soil.
But while the 26-year-old was expected to face Munguia in an immediate rematch, it would now appear that he is free to explore a life-changing opportunity against Canelo.
Coppinger wrote on X earlier today: “Despite reports of an April 12 rematch between Bruno Surace and Jaime Munguia in Tijuana, there’s no deal and never was.
“Sources tell ESPN there’s no guaranteed figure attached for Surace’s purse which is highly unusual. They negotiated and couldn’t reach a deal.”
And so, with Canelo seemingly searching for a fighter to defend his titles against, super-middleweight contender Surace could make for the ideal dance partner.
