Eddie Hearn has confirmed he would love to discuss the possibility of staging a crossover fight between Canelo Alvarez and UFC champion Kamaru Usman.
Alvarez has recently signed a two-fight deal with Matchroom Boxing in which he will face Dmitry Bivol on May 7 to set up an undisputed title trilogy with Gennady Golovkin. He has also faced heavy interest from UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman who is ranked as the pound-for-pound king in the UFC.
After Alvarez refused to rule out a crossover clash, Hearn has pointed out that the Mexican champion is yet to belittle the possibility of an alternative option next year. "He's under contract with UFC, but if Dana White wants to do it, we'd love to discuss it," Hearn told The DAZN Boxing Show.
"I don't see how Usman would have any shot at all against Canelo Alvarez, but therefore why not. The thing I say about Canelo is, even when you mention Jake Paul to him, he doesn't belittle these fights. Never say never."
Alvarez became the first man in history to be a four-belt undisputed super-middleweight champion in the modern era after defeating Caleb Plant this year. The Mexican star is in high demand and has been called out by the likes of Golovkin and David Benavidez.
However, his most high-profile call-out has continued to come from Usman who is confident he could defeat the sport's pound-for-pound king in the iron square. Usman has dismissed several challenges to his welterweight crown in the UFC and wants to challenge Alvarez after his next defence against Leon Edwards.
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UFC president Dana White could take some convincing with Usman currently locked in a deal with the promotion but has previously expressed his good working relationship with Alvarez's current promoter Hearn. The 'Nigerian Nightmare' previously suggested that any clash between the pair could be worth $100 million with the payday worthwhile for both fighters.
Usman is also confident of defeating Alvarez despite his status. "In 2022 I'm going to shock the world. July, International Fight Week, I'm gonna fight Leon Edwards," he told TMZ. "God willing I get through Leon Edwards, September, Mexican Independence Day, I will stop Canelo Alvarez. Absolutely I see myself winning the fight, everything can't be done until it's done. We're talking nine figures, for sure."
Alvarez is currently preoccupied with two huge fights this year and any clash against Usman is likely going to have to wait until 2023. However, he could then opt for a maiden appearance in the UK or a cruiserweight title tilt against Ilunga Makabu with the pair having already faced off.
The 31-year-old has refused to rule out the clash but will for now focus on his boxing legacy. "Payday, it's a payday, I know," he told The MMA Hour. "Maybe, why not? My trainer told me about it but it's not on my mind. I want a really great legacy for my career, then we can talk about it."
