Unified super-middleweight champion Saul ‘Canelo‘ Alvarez is coming off yet another convincing victory against Edgar Berlanga and speculation has now turned to who he’ll face next.
Many hope that man will be David Benavidez, the former two-time champion at 168 that has been waiting for his shot at the belts for some time now. However, Canelo has always been dismissive of the bout, claiming Benavidez offers nothing to him apart from an extra 25lbs come fight night.
Another man chasing the Mexican star is four-weight world champion, Terence Crawford. ‘Bud’ has made it clear that making that clash is his main motivation left in the sport, but once again Canelo has shown little interest, saying he will get no credit if he beats the naturally smaller man.
He is however keen on one matchup – a light-heavyweight rematch with Dmitry Bivol, one of only two men to ever beat him. That loss came in 2022 over 12 rounds when the Russian used his supreme technical skills and neat footwork to out point him.
Canelo told ESPN’s Mike Coppinger that he wants Bivol next if he gets past Artur Beterbiev on October 12.
“When I spoke to Canelo yesterday he told me he wants Dmitry Bivol next providing he beats Artur Beterbiev on October 12.”
Ahead of that undisputed clash, Bivol was asked by Pro Boxing Fans about Canelo chasing that rematch but fired back saying he had his chance to make it and now he’s ‘busy’.
“Doesn’t matter what he mentions, now I’m busy. We had time before, more than one year to make a rematch but now I’m busy.”
Post-fight, there was talk of a rematch for some time, though any negotiations fell apart largely due to Bivol’s interest in moving down to challenge for Canelo’s super-middleweight belts rather than welcome the Mexican back to the light-heavy ranks.
Bivol isn’t closing the door completely, saying if Canelo is serious then he needs to show that but contacting his promoter Eddie Hearn.
“If he really wants, he needs to talk to [my promoter] Eddie Hearn I think.”
It’s expected Canelo will return to the ring next May for his usual Cinco De Mayo fight date. All eyes now turn to Bivol and whether or not he can beat hard-hitting Beterbiev.
