Chris Algieri believes that Errol Spence Jr would cause Canelo Alvarez problems if they fought.
A long-mooted bout between Spence Jr and Canelo could become a reality in the near future, after Alvarez announced last week that he has signed with Premier Boxing Champions, on what is reportedly a three-fight deal.
Alvarez, boxing’s biggest star, is expected to defend his undisputed super middleweight crown against Jermall Charlo in September, although the other two opponents are unknown at this stage.
Despite the weight disparity between the pair, some have suggested that unified WBC, WBA ‘super’ and IBF welterweight world champion, Spence Jr could be the third opponent of the deal and former super lightweight champion, Algieri, who was stopped in five rounds by the Texan in 2016, is hopeful the pair will meet.
“I think Spence is on the table too,” Algieri told FightHype.com.
“Spence had mentioned it. That’s the fight I had said will probably happen at some point and now it looks like it can.
Asked why the 33-year-old southpaw would give the Mexican trouble, Algieri explained: “Pace. Canelo needs to rest. He’s very explosive. He takes his time.
“He’s a sprinter. He explodes, he sprints. He’s very good at keeping guys off him, because he’s so explosive.
“He has the speed advantage over all these bigger guys, that’s why he likes fighting the bigger guys.
“He’s got the speed, he’s explosive, he keeps them on edge.
“He’s able to rest and build his power and go back out and throw bombs.
“Spence doesn’t let you do that. Similar to how Bivol gave Canelo so much trouble, he never let him rest.
“He was always in range. He had that in and out style.
“He made him miss. He couldn’t hurt him, so there’s a lot of things that I could see Spence doing that would give Canelo problems.
“I’m not saying Spence would beat Canelo per se, but I see why Spence’s people would want that fight.”
Spence Jr will first tackle WBO welterweight champion, Terence Crawford for the undisputed championship in the most highly-anticipated bout of the year in Las Vegas on July 29, live on SHOWTIME pay-per-view.
Both men will have the option to evoke a rematch clause in a fight which will see the winner become just the fourth active undisputed male champion, alongside Alvarez, Jermell Charlo and Devin Haney.
