In recent years, the world of professional boxing has experienced a significant transformation, thanks in part to the digital streaming platform DAZN and one of the sport’s biggest stars, Canelo Álvarez. Their collaboration reshaped how fans access major fights and how fighters are promoted. The DAZN Canelo partnership is more than a business deal—it’s a symbol of the modern era of sports broadcasting, where content is king and accessibility matters more than ever.
The Rise of DAZN: Disrupting Traditional Sports Viewing
Before diving into the specifics of the DAZN Canelo relationship, it’s important to understand DAZN’s place in the industry. Launched in 2016, DAZN (pronounced “Da Zone”) is a global sports streaming service designed to provide live and on-demand events without the need for traditional cable. Available in over 200 countries, DAZN carved out a strong niche by offering flexible, affordable subscriptions and access to some of the world’s top combat sports content.
Rather than relying on expensive pay-per-view models, DAZN offers fans a monthly subscription, giving them access to a broad range of sporting events—including top-tier boxing matches. This shift has been especially appealing to younger viewers and international fans.
Who Is Canelo Álvarez?
Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez is one of boxing’s most decorated and recognizable athletes. Known for his fierce fighting style, technical skill, and incredible work ethic, Canelo has held titles in multiple weight classes, including light middleweight, middleweight, super middleweight, and light heavyweight. His crossover appeal, from Spanish-speaking audiences to global sports fans, makes him a valuable figure in the industry.
By the time DAZN approached him, Canelo had already established himself as boxing royalty, with a massive fan following and a proven track record of successful pay-per-view events. That made him the perfect fit for DAZN’s bold move into boxing dominance.
The Groundbreaking DAZN Canelo Deal
In October 2018, Canelo Álvarez signed a landmark deal with DAZN—a five-year, 11-fight contract worth $365 million. At the time, it was the richest athlete contract in sports history. The deal was orchestrated with Golden Boy Promotions, then Canelo’s promotional partner, and it made headlines around the globe.
This mega-deal served two purposes:
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For Canelo, it provided financial security and global exposure without the risks and uncertainty of traditional pay-per-view systems.
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For DAZN, the contract legitimized their presence in boxing and positioned them as a direct competitor to traditional PPV platforms.
This exclusive DAZN Canelo collaboration signaled a shift in how big fights could be distributed and consumed by fans worldwide.
Historic Fights on DAZN
Under the DAZN banner, Canelo delivered several memorable performances. One of the most notable was his 2019 knockout victory over Sergey Kovalev, where he claimed the WBO light heavyweight title. That fight was streamed exclusively on DAZN, attracting millions of viewers.
Other notable bouts on DAZN included:
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Canelo vs. Rocky Fielding
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Canelo vs. Daniel Jacobs
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Canelo vs. Callum Smith
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Canelo vs. Billy Joe Saunders
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Canelo vs. Caleb Plant (co-promoted outside DAZN, but still part of the Canelo era influenced by streaming deals)
Each of these fights helped build DAZN’s brand and subscriber base while cementing Canelo’s legacy as one of the sport’s greatest.
Tensions and Legal Battles
Despite the initial success, the DAZN Canelo partnership hit turbulence in 2020. Canelo filed a lawsuit against both DAZN and Golden Boy Promotions, alleging breach of contract. He claimed that he wasn’t being paid what was agreed upon and that DAZN was interfering with his ability to fight the opponents he wanted.
This legal drama brought public attention to the complexities behind streaming deals, especially when multiple entities are involved. Eventually, the lawsuit was settled, and Canelo became a free agent, allowing him to promote himself independently and negotiate his own fights.
Canelo’s Continued Success and DAZN’s Evolution
Even after the lawsuit, the story of DAZN Canelo wasn’t over. In 2021, Canelo returned to fight on DAZN through new agreements, including his highly anticipated undisputed super middleweight title bout against Caleb Plant (though it was shown on Showtime PPV in the U.S., DAZN carried it internationally).
DAZN, for its part, continues to grow and evolve. The platform has expanded its offerings, ventured into other sports such as soccer and MMA, and fine-tuned its boxing strategy. While the exclusive Canelo contract ended, the relationship remains an important chapter in both parties’ histories.
Impact on the Future of Boxing
The DAZN Canelo partnership has left a lasting impact on the sport. It proved that streaming platforms can be viable—and even preferable—alternatives to pay-per-view for both fans and fighters. It also emphasized the growing importance of global access and digital reach in sports media.
Moreover, it helped break down barriers for other fighters, proving that long-term streaming deals could be lucrative and sustainable. Fighters like Gennady Golovkin (GGG), Devin Haney, and Ryan Garcia have all benefited from DAZN’s push into the boxing space.
Final Thoughts
The DAZN Canelo era represents a bold step forward for boxing in the digital age. It challenged old norms, empowered athletes, and gave fans unprecedented access to high-profile fights. While the relationship wasn’t without its conflicts, it ultimately changed the way the sport is marketed, consumed, and monetized.
As boxing continues to adapt to new technologies and audiences, the legacy of DAZN and Canelo Álvarez will remain a benchmark for innovation and ambition in sports entertainment.
