It appears that DAZN is looking for a discount from Canelo Alvarez for an anticipated return this September against Callum Smith. The fight is tentatively scheduled for September 12th although Alvarez has to agree to terms.
According to an ESPN report, money is holding up the Super Middleweight showdown. However, DAZN is asking for a pay cut due to the COVDI-19 pandemic and the likelihood that there will be no gate due to the lack of fans.
Canelo signed an 11-year $365 million deal with DAZN which would equate to over $33 million per fight. A hefty price without the traditional gate revenue and the subscription rate plunging. Also, DAZN is financially hurting without live events as it has furloughed employees and told leagues it will not be able to pay them.
Payout Perspective:
Although DAZN may be asking Canelo to help them out, the boxer does not have to at this point. He signed a contract to fight and DAZN should honor the contract even if it is in financial strife. Notwithstanding this, DAZN could allow Canelo to opportunity to shop around for a suitor that will pay him the contractual amount as a “one-off” but I’m sure that they would not want that to happen based on the investment they spent on him. Without a Canelo fight in September, DAZN might expect more money issues in the near future.
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