Hearn Says Canelo Was Pleased with Surgery, Optimistic that He Returns to Ring in May

Eddie Hearn is under the impression that Canelo Alvarez’s recent operation will not necessarily prevent him from keeping his usual fight schedule.

Alvarez, the undisputed 168-pound champion from Mexico, recently revealed that he underwent surgery for his left wrist. Alvarez, 32, sustained damage to it during his trilogy with Gennadiy Golovkin in September, which Alvarez won decisively on points.

Alvarez had indicated at the time that he believed he would not be ready to return to the ring until the following September.

However, Hearn, who has promoted Alvarez for his past couple of fights, said he spoke to Alvarez shortly after his surgery and told him that he expects to start punching within two months. With that in mind, Hearn sees no reason why Alvarez would not be able to fight in May; Alvarez has fought almost exclusively in May and September (to take advantage of Mexican holidays) for the past decade or so.

“Yeah, I spoke to him after the surgery,” Hearn said on the Boxing with Chris Mannix podcast. “I think he was very happy with how it went. He talked about being able to punch in two months, so I don’t see — certainly he hasn’t given me any indication and I think it’s too early to say — but I believe you’ll see him return in May.

“Because if he’s punching towards the end of December, there’s no problem being ready for a May fight. He’s already training, he’s already fit.”

“Could that extend to September?” Hearn continued. “Maybe. He’s had a big run of fights, but I think he’s very happy with how it went. Knowing Saul, I think he’ll be wanting to get back into the ring as soon as possible.”

Alvarez has indicated that his top priority is to avenge his loss to light heavyweight titlist Dmitry Bivol, who defeated the Mexican superstar on points in May.