Since returning from wrist surgery, Canelo Alvarez has made it a goal to fight multiple times in 2023. The undisputed super middleweight champion has a list of opponents he could face, ranging from his division to light heavyweight.
With just three months until Mexican Independence Day in September, the preferred weekend for a Canelo fight, who will the 32-year-old face?
What we do know is it will not be against Dmitry Bivol in a rematch from a 2022 bout where Bivol dominated against the smaller Canelo. Canelo wants to fight at light heavyweight, while Bivol is interested in fighting at super middleweight. It will also not be against cruiserweight Badou Jack, a 39-year-old who Canelo is looking to fight at catchweight and added a rehydration clause into the mix.
Are these asks by Canelo, one of the most powerful boxers in the sport, fair or absurd? The purse may be high, given Canelo’s influence, but is the juice worth the squeeze? Is he acting desperate here to find a fight he believes means something more than one in his division? The more he attempts to negotiate, the less likely he is to face who he wants. The clock is ticking, and Canelo will have to decide soon.
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As the first undisputed champion at super middleweight, Canelo has a few options within the division. There’s Jermall Charlo, the WBC middleweight champion, who Eddie Hearn all but confirmed will be facing Canelo. Charlo hasn't fought since 2021 and has held middleweight gold since 2018.
Fans want to see a clash against David Benavidez, the interim WBC super middleweight champion. He beat Caleb Plant to cement his status as the true contender for Canelo. If chosen, it would be Mexican vs. Mexican on Mexican Independence Day, a dream scenario for boxing.
How realistic is the Charlo fight? Why would Charlo get a pass over Benavidez, both signed to Premier Boxing Champions?
As a fight fan, who would you like to see Canelo face?
On this episode of Fightin’ Words, The Sporting News' Andreas Hale, Karisa Maxwell, and Tom Gray discuss these topics and more!
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