Fresh off a controversial victory of GGG, Canelo Alvarez isn’t slowing down. Yesterday, his promoter Golden Boy Promotions announced Canelo will make his New York City debut as he faces WBA Super Middleweight World Champion Rocky Fielding in a special 12-round super middleweight attraction on Saturday, December 15th at Madison Square Garden.
Canelo is without a doubt boxing’s biggest star, but he’s yet to fight at the Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden. When he climbs into the ring in December, it looks like Canelo will be moving up another weight class as he looks to capture a world title in a third division against Fielding.
“It has always been a desire of mine to fight in New York, and where better than at the Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden?” said Canelo Alvarez. “I look forward to exploring this 160-pound division against current WBA World Champion Rocky Fielding. I will be representing the WBC as its current middleweight world champion as I continue demonstrating to the world that I am the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.”
Fielding is a 31-year-old native of Liverpool, England who climbed the 168-pound rankings by fighting the toughest fighters in his native country. Fielding has only suffered one loss in his career, against who would eventually be a world champion in Callum Smith. Since then, he has scored six victories in a row, including his career-best win against Tyron Zeuge to capture the WBA Super Middleweight World Title in July. Fielding will defend his title in what will be his United States debut.
“This is everything that I’ve ever dreamed of – fighting a pound-for-pound star at Madison Square Garden for my world title,” said Rocky Fielding. “I can really punch. Everyone knows that. Let’s see what happens on the night when I catch him clean. He’s [Canelo] stepping up in weight, and he’s not going to be a big super middleweight. I know how good he is, but we will come up with a plan to beat him. I know I can catch him and put him to sleep.”
Oscar De La Hoya, CEO and Chairman of Golden Boy Promotions told the press “Nearly every great fighter has fought at this historic arena. Canelo is establishing a historic legacy, and I’m excited that fans in New York will be able to see this great talent in such a famed place for boxing.”
The fight should be an event given the star power of both the fighter and the venue, however, as far as the quality of the match? Well it clearly wont be a GGG like bout. It’s likely a warm-up or breather for Canelo before facing the likes of David Lemiuex, which has been bandied about or a third match up with GGG in 2019.