Canelo Álvarez Shocks Boxing World by Training with Dmitry Bivol—A Step Toward Light Heavyweight Redemption?

Canelo Álvarez has once again stunned the boxing world, but this time, not with a knockout or a championship victory, but with a decision that has left fans and analysts in disbelief. The undisputed super middleweight champion has been seen training alongside Dmitry Bivol—the very man who handed him his most decisive loss in recent years. This unexpected move raises a crucial question: is Canelo plotting a return to the light heavyweight division for redemption?

There has been no official statement, no grand announcement from the Álvarez camp. However, the mere sight of Canelo working with Bivol suggests that his business at 175 pounds is far from over. For a fighter who has already cemented his legacy across multiple weight classes, this move signals a potential attempt to rewrite one of the few blemishes on his record.

Bivol famously outclassed Canelo in May 2022, successfully defending his WBA light heavyweight title in a fight that exposed Canelo’s limitations against a larger, highly skilled technician. That night, the Mexican superstar struggled to impose his aggressive style, as Bivol’s footwork, defense, and well-timed counters kept him at bay. The loss was decisive, though not humiliating—more a testament to Bivol’s mastery than to any major flaw in Canelo’s skill set.

Since then, Canelo has remained dominant at super middleweight, defending his undisputed crown, while Bivol has continued to prove himself as one of the most disciplined and calculated fighters at 175. Meanwhile, the light heavyweight division is bracing for one of its biggest fights in years—an undisputed title rematch between Bivol and Artur Beterbiev on February 22 in Saudi Arabia. Their first clash was a closely contested battle, with Beterbiev’s relentless pressure ultimately swaying the judges in a majority decision victory. However, many still believe that Bivol’s counterpunching and tactical execution were enough to win.

This upcoming rematch carries enormous implications, not just for the two fighters involved, but also for Canelo. Training with Bivol could serve multiple purposes for him. On one hand, it offers him the opportunity to absorb insights from a fighter who executed the perfect game plan against him. On the other, it might be a strategic positioning move—a way for Canelo to gain inside knowledge on Bivol, should they ever meet in a rematch.

Could Canelo be eyeing the winner of Bivol vs. Beterbiev for another attempt at light heavyweight glory? His past comments have always left the door open for a return to 175, but his decision to train with Bivol takes that possibility to a whole new level.

Beterbiev remains one of boxing’s most feared punchers, having stopped every opponent he has faced. His relentless power and suffocating pressure make him a nightmare matchup for anyone in the division. Bivol, on the other hand, is the one man who has shown he can withstand that pressure. If he can make the right adjustments and avoid getting dragged into a firefight, he has a real chance at reclaiming his belts.

For Canelo, this training move might be the first step in an even bigger plan. Whether it leads to a Bivol rematch, a shot at Beterbiev, or simply a better understanding of the light heavyweight landscape, one thing is certain—Canelo Álvarez is far from finished with this division. If he does decide to take on either of these champions in the near future, his latest decision may prove to be the smartest move of his career.