Nate Diaz vs. Canelo Alvarez: What does the boxer think of the matchup?
Nate Diaz left the UFC last year after more than a decade with the promotion. After his last fight against Tony Ferguson at UFC 279, the Stockton slugger opted against re-signing with the promotion and is now a free agent. Despite leaving the UFC, the 37-year-old is not finished with combat sports.
Given his illustrious resume in MMA, Diaz has plenty of options in the future and was reportedly approached by multiple MMA organizations for his signature. He was even called out by the Professional Fighters League's (PFL) latest addition, Jake Paul, for a two-fight deal.
Now it seems that Diaz has been pushing for a boxing contest against the super-middleweight king Canelo Alvarez. Eddie Hearn recently spoke to Ariel Helwani on his podcast and confirmed his talks with Diaz.
However, the 37-year-old might have to wait longer to get his matchup. In a recent interview with Inside Fighting, Canelo Alvarez claimed that while he hasn't ruled out the possibility, he doesn't see himself facing Diaz anytime soon:
"We'll never know, but right now he's not on my [radar]... Not right now, I have goals. Maybe later, maybe in the future but not right now."
Watch the full interview below:
Eddie Hearn reveals talks with Nate Diaz regarding potential boxing match against Canelo Alvarez
Eddie Hearn recently added fuel to the speculations regarding Nate Diaz wanting to face Canelo Alvarez in the squared ring and confirmed that he has been in contact with the Stockton slugger regarding the same.
Diaz fought out his UFC contract last year and entered the realm of free agency. The iconic mixed martial artist delivered a goodbye speech after defeating Tony Ferguson at UFC 279 and hinted at venturing into boxing. He even referenced Conor McGregor's stint as a boxer as he spoke of joining another profession.
Nate Diaz sounds off to close out #UFC279! https://t.co/S6eGlB77lM
In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, Eddie Hearn revealed he’s been speaking to Diaz, who is hoping to secure a fight with the boxing superstar. He claimed:
"It was just a friendly conversation to say, ‘What are you thinking?’ And Nate Diaz’s mindset is, ‘I want to fight Canelo Alvarez.’ And who knows?... It’s very difficult to give Nate Diaz a shot in a Canelo Alvarez fight."
He continued:
"But again, Nate Diaz can box. I’m not saying he’s going to compete with Canelo Alvarez. But he’s got a big fanbase and I think there’s a fascination behind seeing these guys do something different. It’s the unknown. What’s going to happen?”
Watch the full interview below: