CANELO ALVAREZ exhibits no indicators of stopping after he retained his three super-middleweight titles towards Edgar Berlanga.
At 34 years previous and a staggering 66 fights underneath his belt no-one would begrudge the four-weight champion the possibility to experience off into the sundown.
Since shedding to Dmitry Bivol in Could 2022 Canelo has racked up 5 wins towards Gennadiy Golovkin, John Ryder, Jermell Charlo, Jaime Munguia and Berlanga, respectively. The Mexican has by no means come near shedding to any of them and there lies the issue for followers. Critics will proceed to dissect the extent of opposition not that that may trouble the multi-millionaire prizefighter.
Consideration now turns to who the 168lbs boss will battle subsequent. Boxing Information assesses the choices and prospects.
Benavidez is the followers primary choose (Getty Pictures)
DAVID BENAVIDEZ
So long as Canelo continues to battle the title of David Benavidez will stay the primary selection of opponent for followers. The probabilities the battle takes place stay extra distant than ever however in 2025 Turki Alalshikh might be the person to ship the correct quantity to Canelo which lastly forces his hand and will get him within the ring with Benavidez. For now Benavidez will proceed to marketing campaign at light-heavyweight.
Crawford is looking for a battle towards Canelo regardless of the load disparity.
TERENCE CRAWFORD
Crawford is aware of precisely how a lot a battle towards Canelo is price to him in order that alone makes the chase price it. Nonetheless, Canelo doesn’t see the advantage of preventing a person presently preventing in a division 14lbs lighter than super-middleweight. Fighters making their manner via a number of weight courses isn’t new to boxing however Canelo could take loads of convincing that is the correct possibility for him.
Beterbiev (L) and Bivol (R) meet for 175lbs supremacy in October. (Getty Pictures)
DMITRY BIVOL
Bivol already holds a win over Canelo and confirmed he was by far the higher boxer. The WBA light-heavyweight champion has severe enterprise to deal with first on October 12 towards triple-title holder Artur Beterbiev. Ought to Bivol win then his undisputed standing wouldn’t solely enchantment to Canelo however his asking value would enhance dramatically as nicely. Canelo desires revenge, nevertheless, and has made no secret of his need to turn into a two-weight undisputed champion.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER OPTIONS?
Sure. Canelo may skip light-heavyweight and transfer on to cruiserweight. Gilberto Ramirez, a former world super-middleweight champion, isn’t essentially the most highly effective power at 200lbs however ought to he unify the division towards Chris Billam-Smith in November he could turn into an possibility for Canelo. And let’s face it the Mexican would love nothing greater than to beat one other Oscar De La Hoya promoted fighter.
Janibek Alimkhanuly may come into the image in 2025. The unified middleweight champion will finally transfer to 168lbs and wouldn’t be an costly selection for Canelo and his group.
Christian Mbilli appears to be like like the largest risk to Canelo at super-middleweight. That modifications if Benavidez strikes again down, nevertheless. Mbilli, although, is edging nearer to his first world title shot and his all-action fashion provides the WBC primary contender an opportunity towards the champion. Diego Pacheco can’t be dominated out both. The WBO primary contender is arguably much less of a risk than Mbilli which can enchantment to Canelo’s group.
