Canelo Alvarez will have been a keen observer when Artur Beterbiev took on Dmitry Bivol.
Beterbiev claimed a majority decision win over Bivol in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, becoming the first undisputed light-heavyweight champion since Roy Jones Jr over 20 years ago.
Canelo had made his intentions clear ahead of the bout, stating his desire to step back up to 175lbs to try and avenge his defeat to Bivol.
The Mexican superstar fought Bivol back in May 2022, but suffered a defeat, with the Russian claiming a unanimous decision victory.
It seemed Beterbiev’s win over Bivol may have scuppered Alvarez’s plans, and he has revealed whether he would be willing to take on the newly crowned undisputed light heavyweight champion instead.
Speaking ahead of that fight to Pound 4 Pound With Kamaru & Henry, Canelo talked about wanting to secure the Bivol rematch, but that it’s the only bout that interests him at 175lbs.
Yeah, if it’s possible one day, it’s the only fight I make one more time at 175 with that rematch with Bivol. I think it’s the only fight I will [move] up and fight with him.”
Canelo is the current WBC, WBA and WBO super-middleweight champion, having been stripped of his IBF belt for choosing to face Edgar Berlanga in September rather than mandatory challenger William Scull.
He’s expected to return to the ring in May, but the outcome of the Beterbiev vs. Bivol fight now leaves it unknown who he will target as an opponent.
As for Beterbiev and Bivol, an immediate rematch could come next after Bivol officially filed a protest over the result, and Beterbiev has announced if he is willing to go ahead with it.
