Canelo files lawsuit against DAZN, De La Hoya

Canelo Alvarez filed a lawsuit Tuesday against DAZN and Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions in a Los Angeles Federal Court alleging the pugilist's multi-fight deal with the streaming service was breached and caused damages of $280 million, according to documents obtained by Mike Coppinger of The Athletic.

"I'm the pound-for-pound No. 1 in the world," Alvarez, 30, said in a statement to The Athletic. "I'm not scared of any opponent in the ring, and I'm not going to let failures of my broadcaster or promoters keep me out of the ring. I filed the lawsuit so I can get back to boxing and give my fans the show they deserve."

In late 2018, Canelo and DAZN agreed to a five-year, 10-fight deal worth $350 million. Alvarez has fought twice under the pact, winning both bouts, including his most recent fight against Sergey Kovalev in November 2019.

Alvarez was scheduled to fight on Sept. 12, but DAZN wanted the four-division champ to accept roughly half of his promised $35-million payday after failing to book a premier opponent, according to Coppinger. Golden Boy Promotions also couldn't settle on an opponent, with Callum Smith and Billy Joe Saunders considered likely combatants at one point.

De La Hoya, the founder of Golden Boy Promotions, which represents Canelo, is currently attempting a boxing comeback. The relationship between De La Hoya and the promotion's superstar boxer has grown increasingly tenuous in recent months.

Canelo also had a spring bout canceled due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.