Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez has reached a point in his illustrious career where he can choose his next moves carefully, prioritizing legacy and high-reward fights. The 34-year-old Mexican superstar, one of the most decorated fighters in boxing, recently gave up his undisputed super-middleweight status by refusing to face his mandatory challenger for the IBF title.
In response to the decision, Alvarez made it clear:
“I’m gonna do whatever I want. Because I deserve it, because of all I have done.”
With the IBF belt now gone, Alvarez is focused on major fights that offer either significant financial rewards or a chance to cement his legacy further. Having recently cruised to a points victory over Edgar Berlanga, Alvarez has set his sights on a rematch against Dmitry Bivol – one of only two men to defeat him in 66 professional bouts. However, Bivol must first win his upcoming light-heavyweight showdown with unified champion Artur Beterbiev.
Canelo’s interest in a second bout with Bivol stems from their first encounter in 2022, where Bivol handed the Mexican his second professional defeat. Canelo hopes to avenge that loss if Bivol emerges victorious this weekend against Beterbiev in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where the two Russians will contest for light-heavyweight supremacy.
But what if Beterbiev wins? Would Alvarez consider stepping in the ring with the knockout artist, who currently holds the only 100% KO ratio among world champions?
In a resurfaced clip from Max on Boxing, Hall of Fame fighter Andre Ward dismissed the idea of Canelo facing the fearsome Beterbiev:
“He’ll never fight Beterbiev.”
Beterbiev, with his devastating knockout power, is a daunting opponent for any fighter. Many fans have speculated about a Canelo vs. Beterbiev matchup, but Alvarez has recently dispelled those hopes by reiterating his focus on Bivol. Alvarez has shown no interest in other light-heavyweight fights, including against long-time challenger David Benavidez, who has moved up in weight hoping for a shot at the Mexican icon.
If Beterbiev secures victory against Bivol, many expect the hard-hitting Russian to pursue even greater challenges. A move up to cruiserweight has been rumored, where new opportunities and titles await. First, however, Beterbiev must conquer Bivol and accomplish what Canelo couldn’t in their 2022 showdown.
At this stage of his career, Canelo Alvarez is focused on high-stakes fights that offer more than just another title defense. While a rematch with Bivol is his top priority, Canelo is less inclined to risk facing the knockout machine Artur Beterbiev.
As the boxing world awaits the result of Bivol vs. Beterbiev, one thing is clear: Canelo will only return to light-heavyweight on his own terms, and a rematch with Bivol is at the top of his list. Will Bivol prevail and grant Alvarez the chance at redemption, or will Beterbiev’s power shift the narrative entirely?
Let us know your thoughts—should Canelo fight Bivol, Beterbiev, or Benavidez next?
