In an unexpected twist, fans of boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez find themselves in the unusual position of rooting for Artur Beterbiev in his upcoming bouts. The reason? A victory for Beterbiev could mean a higher chance of a title unification fight that sidesteps a Canelo-Dmitry Bivol rematch—something many fans feel is in Canelo’s best interest after Bivol’s dominant performance in their last face-off.

After Canelo’s narrow defeat to Bivol in 2022, Canelo’s fans have watched the Russian champ’s career closely. Bivol’s precise power and technical skills proved challenging for Canelo, and many fans believe a rematch might yield the same outcome. But with Beterbiev looming as the next big contender, there’s a chance Bivol might not hold onto his title for much longer. If Beterbiev wins, he could unify belts with Bivol, potentially blocking a rematch with Canelo.

As a result, some Canelo fans have taken to social media to support Beterbiev, even hoping that he wins the anticipated Bivol showdown. This ironic twist has sparked spirited debates in the boxing community, where fans are known for their fierce loyalty.

For many fans, Beterbiev’s knockout power is the key factor that could neutralize Bivol’s technical prowess. With 100% of his wins coming by knockout, Beterbiev has shown he can overwhelm skilled opponents with relentless pressure and power. Should he face Bivol, Canelo fans are banking on Beterbiev’s aggressive style to dismantle the champion, effectively “taking care of business” for them.

This situation reveals how boxing is as much a strategic game outside the ring as it is within it. With fans rooting for outcomes that might best serve their favorite fighter’s career, the matchup between Beterbiev and Bivol has gained an added layer of intrigue.

Meanwhile, Bivol has hinted that he’s focused solely on defending his title against whoever steps into the ring. But even he has noticed the unexpected “support” from Canelo’s fans, responding with humor in a recent interview: “Maybe they’re on to something, but I’m not losing focus on my own goals.”

As Canelo weighs his options and contemplates his next moves, his fans’ unusual rooting interests reflect the complexities of modern boxing fandom. Whether Beterbiev or Bivol prevails, Canelo’s fans are ready to support their champion in his pursuit of legacy—no matter how the chessboard of contenders shifts.