Eddie Hearn Admits He’s ‘Surprised’ By Canelo’s One-Sided Performance Against Callum Smith

Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn was taken aback by Canelo Alvarez’s dominance against Callum Smith.

Alvarez challenged Smith for the WBA (Super) and The Ring Super-Middleweight Titles. Canelo was also fighting for the vacant WBC Championship. It became clear that Canelo wasn’t worried about the punching power of Smith. In fact, the Mexican star even targeted Smith’s left arm to avoid the power left hook. Ultimately, Canelo took the unanimous decision victory.

Speaking to reporters during the post-fight press conference, Hearn admitted that he didn’t anticipate Canelo to walk down Smith as effectively as he did (via BoxingScene.com).

“I am surprised. And it just goes to show you how good he is, you know, and the levels of Canelo Alvarez. I mean, we’re all boxing fans here, and so is Callum Smith. So is Paul Smith and Stephen Smith and Liam Smith. And the amazing thing about both guys is when I went into Callum Smith’s changing room, they were talking about the fight and the attributes of Canelo Alvarez and the tactics and, you know.

“And then, when I went into Canelo Alvarez’s changing room, him and Eddy Reynoso were going through the fight. You know, they’re almost throwing punches, saying, ‘Yeah, I did this,’ and Callum said, ‘Yeah, he did this well.’ You know, and there is so much respect between fighters to Canelo Alvarez.”

Canelo is looking to unify the super-middleweight gold. The only major titles Canelo is missing are the IBF and WBO Championships. Caleb Plant has the IBF belt, while Billy Joe Saunders is the WBO titleholder.