Saul “Canelo” Alvarez was dominant when he took on Edgar Berlanga at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in September. A heavy favorite at -1800, Alvarez (62-2-2, 39KOs) proved his skills were unmatched as he retained the WBA, WBO, and WBC super middleweight titles by unanimous decision victory. Berlanga (22-1, 17KOs) 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. Alvarez 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 (21-0, 20KOs) captured the undisputed light heavyweight championship with a majority decision victory over Dmitry Bivol (23-1, 12KOs) in October. With a rematch set for Feb. 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Beterbiev will look to retain the WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO titles.
Alavrez 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. Shall Beterbiev emerge victorious against Bivol for a second time; Alvarez can turn his attention to capturing the undisputed championship in a second division.
David Benavidez: What the boxing public calls for
David Benavidez (29-0, 24KOs) has long called for a super middleweight title showdown with Alavrez, 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,” Alvarez never seemed intrigued in a potential fight.
Unable to secure the mega fight even as the No.1 contender at 168 pounds, and with Alvarez looking in other directions for opponents; Benavidez moved up to light heavyweight in June. He went on to defeat Oleksandr Gvozydk for the vacant WBC interim light heavyweight title by unanimous decision. Benavidez is set to face WBA ‘regular’ titleholder David Morell (11-0, 9KOs) on Feb. 1, with the mandatory challenger status for the winner of Dmitry Bivol vs. Artur Beterbiev at stake.
Terence Crawford: Two pound-for-pound greats
Terence Crawford (41-0, 31KOs) is currently the No.2 ranked boxer on ESPN’s pound-for-pound rankings, while Alvarez holds the No. 5 spot. “Bud” 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.
Turki Alalshikh and Crawford were both present for UFC 306 at The Sphere in Las Vegas. Following Canelo’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, Alavrez responded “No comment.”
