Agencies
Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez has signed the richest contract in the history of sports with a record-breaking 11-fight deal with streaming service DAZN.
The WBC, WBA, Lineal and Ring Magazine Middleweight champion finalised terms on a five-year agreement worth a minimum of $365million (Shs1,379,874,332,793) on Wednesday.
The deal begins with the December 15 clash with Britain’s Rocky Fielding at Madison Square Garden in New York.
“I’ve always liked a challenge, and this is yet another challenge in my career,” said the Mexican. “Being part of this historic deal will require me to prepare myself even more and offer fans even better performances.
“At the same time, I am humbled to be selected to lead this new vision for the sport of boxing, which will without a doubt be for the benefit of the fans.”
The deal dwarfs the previous high mark set by New York Yankees hitter Giancarlo Stanton, a mere $325m.
Canelo, who stunned Gennady Golovkin last time out, could well now be an in demand man but has his eyes on a specific prize – a rematch with Floyd Mayweather.
‘Money’ handed Canelo the only defeat of his professional career to date back in 2013 before appearing to call time on his own time in the ring after extending his record to an unblemished 50-0 with the defeat of Conor McGregor last year.
Mayweather has talked up a return in recent weeks with former foe Manny Pacquiao and UFC star Khabib Nurmagomedov touted as potential opponents.
But Canelo is keen to get his shot at redemption first. Indeed, he believes should he get the opportunity he can right the wrong of five years ago.
“That’s something I would love,” he told Sports Illustrated. “If he wants to come back and is still motivated to come back, he should do it right and give me the opportunity to have that rematch and demonstrate who is better.
“I think in that first fight, experience beat me as I was very young. And I don’t have much more to say other than his experience beat me and he is a great fighter.
“I’d love to have the opportunity to prove myself at this point in my career.
“I think it would be very different and if he is willing to come back, I would love to have that rematch, show the people who is truly the best. I guess we’ll see.”
List of largest sports contracts
Player Team Sport Length of Contract Value
Canelo Alvarez DAZN Boxing 2018 -2013 $365m
Giancarlo Stanton Miami Marlins Baseball 2014-2027 $325m
Alex Rodriguez NY Yankees Baseball 2008-2017 $275m
Alex Rodriguez Texas Rangers Baseball 2001 – 2010 $252m
Miguel Cabrera Detroit Tigers Baseball 2016-2023 $247m
Robinson Cano* Seattle Mariners Baseball 2014-2023 $240m
Albert Pujols * LA Angels Baseball 2012-2021 $240m
James Harden Houston Rockets Basketball 2017-2023 $228m
Joey Votto Cincinnati Reds Baseball 2014-2024 $225m
David Price BostonRed Sox Baseball 2016-2022 $217m
Robinson Cano and Albert Pujols are tied at number six
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