Eddie Hearn confirms fresh talks with Canelo Alvarez’s team to make Billy Joe Saunders fight, after mandatory defence against Avni Yildirim

Eddie Hearn has confirmed that he has initiated fresh talks with Canelo Alvarez's trainer and manager Eddy Reynoso regarding a potential fight with Billy Joe Saunders.

The Mexican pound-for-pound king previously agreed terms to face the Brit last May, however this contest was scrapped by the coronavirus pandemic.

3

Later last year, Canelo's team initiated legal proceedings against promoter Golden Boy and broadcaster DAZN.

They ultimately settled for a clean break and secured his free agency.

In stepped Hearn, who negotiated with Reynoso to bring Canelo back to DAZN for the Callum Smith fight on December 19.

The Mexican won comfortably, claiming the WBA and WBC super-middleweight titles, and is now assessing options for his next challenge.

3

Reynoso has revealed that Canelo is eyeing a quick turnaround.

Their idea is to get his WBC mandatory Avni Yildirim out of the way in a Guadalajara homecoming on February 27 before then taking a big fight in May.

Hearn told Ak and Barak on SiriusXM: "We did a one-fight deal with the Callum Smith fight

"We're now in talks with Eddy Reynoso and his team about doing Yildirim - his immediate mandatory - and then the Billy Joe Saunders fight in May.

3

"I think what we saw first time was round one of bidding for Canelo Alvarez.

"And us - Matchroom and DAZN - won round one of bidding.

"Now we're in round two, so can we win round two of bidding?

"I think we have a really successful relationship with them. He loved the show, he loved us working together, he was blown away by the ring walk.

"So I think we have a good path for him, but ultimately he's gonna look at the best deal available to him and if we can continue to work together it'd be great news for us."