Bernard Hopkins Weighs In On Canelo Alvarez Next Opponent After Billy Joe Saunders Withdrawal

Golden Boy Promotions partner Bernard Hopkins has shared his thoughts on the kind of opponent Saul "Canelo" Alvarez should fight next.

Everything was all set for Canelo's return in September until Billy Joe Saunders decided to withdraw from the fight. Despite the long break caused by the pandemic, the undefeated fighter insisted that he needed more time to prepare against a multi-division champ like Canelo, saying, "They didn’t want to give me proper time to train and they wanted to take millions of pounds from me."

For Golden Boy promotions, this meant having to find another worthy opponent as Canelo’s September return is still in place. In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Golden Boy partner Hopkins addressed the issue and warned Saunders that a crack against a superstar like Canelo might not happen again.

"[I was surprised Saunders needed more time to prepare], because Billy Joe Saunders is not a rookie in the game. He has been in some highlighted moments. He understands, he had a taste of the high level," Hopkins said.

"He missed out and there's no guarantee, especially in the world of boxing, that Billy [Joe] Saunders will get a call from anybody, pertaining a world champion, the biggest spotlight you can get - pandemic or not – opportunity," he added.

When asked who among the list of challengers should be Canelo’s next opponent, Hopkins didn't drop a name but pointed out that he must be a fighter who can walk the talk.

"[He] has to be someone that will keep him honest, because you want to make a statement every time at that level where Canelo is at," Hopkins pointed out.

Shortly after Saunders pulled out from the fight, a new name quickly emerged as a possible replacement. Former IBF middleweight champ David Lemieux is now reportedly being considered as Canelo’s comeback foe.

Though some believe that Lemieux lacks the qualities needed to be the Mexican star's next challenger, the Canadian is no journeyman as he has shared the ring with Saunders and Canelo’s middleweight nemesis, Gennady Golovkin.

Lemieux’s promoter, Camille Estephan, claimed Canelo vs. Lemieux is already "in discussions." But until contracts are signed, the former champ considers it "all talks." But unlike Saunders, Lemieux insisted he'll be prepared for anything that could happen.

"Styles make fights, Canelo would be a great matchup for me, and fireworks for the fans. I’ll be prepared for any scenario. We were supposed to fight years ago. Until the contract is signed, it’s all talks," Lemieux told Boxing Scene.