DAZN broadcaster seeks answers after Canelo fight banishment

A DAZN broadcaster is seeking answers from Canelo Alvarez after being removed from the Edgar Berlanga event during the build-up to September 14.

Ricardo Celis is looking for 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 now has the support of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists Sports, whose Task Force released a statement obtained by World Boxing News.

Highlighting some of the reasons why he believes Canelo has barred him from working his Pay Per Views, Celis stated, “When I was commentating on the Bivol fight, I mentioned that I still believe Canelo was not at his best and that he seemed tired.

“I also questioned his opponents, why he avoids [David] Benavidez, and other issues that seemed to bother him.”

Canelo has not yet responded to allegations of selectively choosing which journalists can cover his fights. He addressed the media after defeating Berlanga on points at the T-Mobile Arena, but did not mention the controversy.

The NAHJ Sports Task Force declared, “The NAHJ demands transparency and fairness 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, as well as any contractors involved in organizing Álvarez’s fights, to commit to transparency and fairness in their treatment of all media.

“Veteran award-winning boxing broadcaster Ricardo Celis, an NAHJ member, was informed by DAZN that he was removed from the team covering Álvarez’s fight on Saturday, September 14, at the boxer’s request. This is the second time Celis has been removed from his usual position within the DAZN broadcast lineup this year, having previously been pulled from the team covering Álvarez’s May 4, 2024, bout at the boxer’s request.

“Celis has requested an explanation from Álvarez’s team and an opportunity to discuss the issue. The NAHJ Sports Task Force has urged Álvarez’s team to explain why Celis and another journalist critical of the boxer’s opponent selection were banned from covering the May bout, with a spokesperson directing media access inquiries to the third-party fight promoter Matchroom Productions.

“Celis and other Latino journalists play crucial roles in covering combat sports, asking questions on behalf of fans and holding athletes and promoters accountable for upholding regulations that ensure fair fights. Journalists covering Álvarez should be able to ask professional questions without fear of losing their credentials, just as journalists covering other professional sports do on a regular basis.

“At the very least, Celis deserves to know why he was removed from the broadcast lineup and should have the opportunity to present his case to continue doing his job.”

The letter was signed by Iliana Limón Romero and Joe Rodriguez, co-chairs of the NAHJ Sports Task Force. Celis expressed his gratitude for the support and is considering his next steps.

TUDN commentator David Faitelson has also claimed he was excluded from media coverage of the same event.

Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, an experienced boxing writer and the World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.