Kamaru Usman thinks he’s not the only one who would benefit from boxing Canelo Alvarez.
Although Alvarez never really entertained the idea of fighting UFC welterweight champion Usman, he seemed a little more open to it when asked in a recent interview on “The MMA Hour,” responding, “Maybe. Why not?”
Widely regarded by many as the best pound-for-pound boxer today, Canelo is coming off an 11th-round knockout of Caleb Plant this past November to become the first undisputed super middleweight champion and only the sixth undisputed champ in the four-title era. But despite his star power and accolades, Usman says Alvarez would make even more money if he boxed him.
“He’s walking around saying, ‘Payday, payday.’ Absolutely – it’s the biggest payday you will ever make,” Usman told TMZ. “I understand he gets paid. He makes money. But fighting me is the biggest payday he’s ever going to make.
“He knows what’s up. You’re going through this mess and trying to pick up guys that nobody really knows. You say, ‘Payday.’ I agree with you, my friend, ‘Payday’ for you and for me. You need me more than I need you. So: ‘Payday.’”
UFC president Dana White was quick to shut down the idea of Usman boxing Alvarez, but with Alvarez not ruling out the possibility, could it happen down the line?
For now, Alvarez is scheduled to face Dmitry Bivol for the WBA (Super) light heavyweight title May 7, and fellow pound-for-pound No. 1 fighter Usman is currently healing from hand surgery after retaining his title against Colby Covington at UFC 268.
Having already mapped out his 2022, Usman is looking to return by summer and hopes to cap off his year by beating Alvarez.
“(In) 2022, I’m going to shock the world,” Usman said. “July, International Fight Week, I’m going to fight Leon Edwards. God willing, I get through Leon Edwards. September, Mexican Independence Day, I will stop Canelo Alvarez.”
https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/03/kamaru-usman-says-canelo-alvarez-needs-him-big-payday-predicts-boxing-matchup-mma-ufc