Eleider Alvarez signs with Top Rank

WBO light heavyweight world champion Eleider Alvarez (24-0, 12 KOs) has a new promoter leading into his rematch with Sergey Kovalev. Top Rank was able to reach a multiyear deal with promoter Yvon Michel to co-promote Alvarez, per an ESPN report. Alvarez’s first fight under the new deal will in fact be his Feb. 2 title defense against Kovalev.

“I am really proud of this agreement. I am thankful to (Michel) for always believing in me. I am also grateful that Top Rank and ESPN demonstrate trust and confidence in my talent,” Alvarez said. “I can’t wait to show the world that I am a great champion.”

Alvarez’s longtime promoter Michel offered these thoughts on the new deal:

“The world discovered Eleider Alvarez last August in Atlantic City, with his speed, athleticism, strength and stamina. Soon, his personality will transcend his WBO title and the world will discover he has all it takes to be a great star,” Michel said. “We are very happy to join Top Rank’s team in Alvarez’s quest for fame and achievement.”

The 34-year-old Alvarez became champion this past summer when he knocked out Kovalev in 7 rounds. Alvarez was trailing on all three official scorecards by the time he rallied to score three knockdowns and the stoppage of Kovalev, and shortly after the fight Kovalev took advantage of the immediate rematch clause in their contract.

With the move to Top Rank it seems obvious that there will be a title unification match on the horizon between Alvarez and fellow titleholder Oleksandr Gvozdyk, who took the WBC title by knocking out Adonis Stevenson earlier this month. Gilberto Ramirez’s name is also getting thrown around as possible future opponent, especially after saying he intended to move up to 175 following his win over Jesse Hart last weekend.