Bernard Hopkins Reacts To Canelo Alvarez’s Split From DAZN & Golden Boy

Boxing legend Bernard Hopkins has weighed in on Canelo Alvarez’s departure from DAZN and Golden Boy Promotions.

Things between Canelo, DAZN, and Golden Boy turned sour during the COVID-19 pandemic. Back in 2018, Canelo signed an 11-fight, $365 million deal with DAZN. All appeared to be rosy until unforeseen circumstances took a toll. Canelo sued DAZN and Golden Boy, seeking $280 million in damages and the ability to break free of his contracts. Canelo settled with both parties and is now a free agent.

Hopkins, who is a shareholder in Golden Boy, told Ring Magazine that he can’t be mad at Canelo for his decision.

“Canelo protected my record and he avenged my loss,” Hopkins said. “I’m a promoter, but I’m human. Who doesn’t want revenge and want their records to remain? People might assume I drink the Kool-Aid everyone passes to me, and I don’t. I don’t accept second and third-hand information. I have to hear things myself. I knew this was going to happen (with Alvarez) weeks in advance. I pissed a lot of people off in my career, but I made a living, because I didn’t fall into the traps.

“I wish the Canelo the best in his career. I hope he does all of the things that he set out to do, because we all have a short career in boxing. It’s a high-risk business, and for Canelo to maximize what he wants, you must do what you have to do.”

Canelo hasn’t competed since November 2, 2019. He knocked out Sergey Kovalev in the 11th round to capture the WBO Light-Heavyweight Championship. The Mexican star vacated the title in an effort to move back down to super-middleweight. According to Eddie Hearn, Canelo and Callum Smith are in talks for a showdown.