A DAZN broadcaster wants answers from Canelo Alvarez after being removed from the Edgar Berlanga event during the build-up to September 14.
Ricardo Celis seeks an explanation after being pulled from the Canelo vs. Berlanga fight. This is the second time the veteran journalist has been banned from the super middleweight champion’s fight.
Celis is now being backed by the National Association of Hispanic Journalists Sports, whose Task Force released a statement obtained by World Boxing News.
Marking some of the points of why he believes Canelo has blocked him from working his Pay Per Views, Celis said, “When I narrated the Bivol fight, I said. I maintain that Canelo got tired and that he was not one hundred percent.
“[Also] For questioning his opponents, questioning why he avoids [David] Benavidez and other things that got through to him.”
Canelo is yet to respond to the accusations of selecting which journalists can cover his fights. He addressed the media after beating Berlanga on points at the T-Mobile Arena. The Mexican superstar made no mention of the opposition to the move.
The NAHJ Sports Task Force stated, “The NAHJ calls for transparency and equity in the treatment of media covering Canelo Álvarez. The National Association of Hispanic Journalists Sports Task Force calls on Canelo Álvarez, Matchroom Boxing, and DAZN, along with any contractors hired to help stage Álvarez bouts, to commit to transparency and equity in the treatment of all media.
“Veteran award-winning boxing broadcaster Ricardo Celis, an NAHJ member, said DAZN informed him he was removed from the team calling Álvarez’s fight on Saturday, September 14, at the boxer’s request. It is the second time Celis was pulled from his customary position within the DAZN broadcast lineup this year, previously learning he was removed from the team covering Álvarez’s May 4, 2024, bout at the boxer’s request.
“Celis requested an explanation from Álvarez’s team and an opportunity to meet to discuss the issue. The NAHJ Sports Task Force asked Álvarez’s team for an explanation why Celis and another journalist critical of the boxer’s opponent selection were banned from covering the May bout, and a spokesperson referred any questions regarding media access to third-party fight promoter Matchroom Productions.
“Celis and other Latino journalists play important roles covering combat sports, asking questions on behalf of fans and holding athletes and promoters accountable for observing rules that help create fair fights. Journalists covering Álvarez should be free to raise professional questions without fear their credentials will be removed, just as journalists covering the NFL, NBA, MLB, and other professional sports do on a daily basis.
“At a minimum, Celis deserves an explanation for why he was blocked from the broadcast lineup and a chance to make his case for the opportunity to continue doing his job.”
The letter was signed by Iliana Limón Romero and Joe Rodriguez, the NAHJ Sports Task Force co-chairs. Celis responded, “Thank you for the support,” as he considered his next move.
TUDN commentator David Faitelson has also claimed he was removed from media coverage of the same event.
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
