Three Potential Opponents for Canelo Álvarez

Saul “Canelo” Álvarez was dominant when he took on Edgar Berlanga at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in September. A heavy favorite at -1800, Álvarez of Guadalajara (62-2-2, 39 KOs) proved his skills were unmatched as he retained the WBA, WBO, and WBC super middleweight titles by unanimous decision victory.

Berlanga of New Jersey (22-1, 17 KOs) was completely outclassed as he hit the canvas on a left hook to the chin in the third round but held on to go the distance.

The Guadalajara native will likely eye a return to the ring in May 2025 during Cinco de Mayo weekend. Álvarez had his sights set on avenging a previous loss, while others have called for their shot against the unified super middleweight champion.

Artur Beterbiev: The Undisputed Light Heavyweight Crown

Artur Beterbiev of Russia (21-0, 20 KOs) captured the undisputed light heavyweight championship with a majority decision victory over Dmitry Bivol of Indio, California (23-1, 12 KOs) in October. With a rematch set for February 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Beterbiev will look to retain the WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO titles.

Álvarez had expressed his desire to avenge a loss against Bivol, whom he came up short against for the WBA light heavyweight title by unanimous decision in May 2022. If Beterbiev emerges victorious against Bivol for a second time, Álvarez can turn his attention to capturing the undisputed championship in a second division.

David Benavidez: What The Boxing Public Calls For

David Benavidez of Las Vegas (29-0, 24 KOs) has long called for a super middleweight title showdown with Álvarez and became the WBC mandatory challenger in 2023. Despite growing demand from the fan base and continuous questions from the media regarding “The Mexican Monster,” Álvarez never seemed intrigued by a potential fight.

Unable to secure the mega fight even as the number one contender at 168 pounds, and with Álvarez looking in other directions for opponents, Benavidez moved up to light heavyweight in June. He defeated Oleksandr Gvozydk of Ukraine for the vacant WBC interim light heavyweight title by unanimous decision. Benavidez is set to face WBA ‘regular’ titleholder David Morell of Minneapolis via Cuba (11-0, 9 KOs) on February 1, with the mandatory challenger status for the winner of Beterbiev vs. Bivol 2 at stake.

Terence Crawford: Two Pound-For-Pound Greats

Terence Crawford of Omaha, Nebraska (41-0, 31 KOs) is currently the number two ranked boxer on ESPN’s pound-for-pound rankings, while Álvarez holds the fifth spot. “Bud” Crawford became a four-division world champion as he defeated Israil Madrimov by unanimous decision for the WBA junior middleweight title in August. With greatness in his ambition, Crawford is willing to move up two weight classes to challenge Alvarez for the unified titles at super middleweight.

Saudi General Entertainment Authority chairman Turki Alalshikh and Crawford were both present for UFC 306 at The Sphere in Las Vegas. Following Álvarez’s victory over Berlanga, Crawford capitalized on the opportunity to call him out via social media.

“Tell them we going for Canelo next.” Crawford told Alalshikh.

“Yes, let’s go,” replied Alalshikh. “Canelo, come on. We are ready.”

When asked about the video during the post-fight press conference, Álvarez responded “No comment.”