In L.A., Manouk Akopyan noted boxer Canelo Alvarez had to "work in conjunction with DAZN and pick a palatable opponent" for his next opponent in Sergey Kovalev. DAZN's "primary choice" for the Nov. 2 bout at MGM Grand was Gennady Golovkin, also a fighter with a "lucrative deal with the platform." But Alvarez had "very little interest in a trilogy." DAZN approved the likes of Demetrius Andrade, Jermall Charlo, Sergiy Derevyanchenko, Golovkin and a "list of others opponents, but Kovalev ended up being the most attractive one to Alvarez." DAZN Exec Chair John Skipper said that the hopes are for a Golovkin fight "to be procured" in '20 (L.A. TIMES, 9/13).
DOUBLE DUTY: NESN play-by-play broadcaster Dave O'Brien said that he "appreciates the flexibility he was afforded" in being able to add ACC Network duties to his plate this fall. In Boston, Chad Finn noted O’Brien last month "missed the Red Sox series" against the Rockies in order to "call the Clemson-Georgia Tech opener." While Red Sox fans are "probably used to hearing assorted broadcasters on WEEI’s radio broadcasts this season, it was jarring to tune in and hear another play-by-play voice on NESN’s broadcasts." O’Brien will "miss nine Sox games" in total this season as he balances games on NESN and ACC Net (BOSTON GLOBE, 9/15).
