Saul ‘Canelo‘ Alvarez is 65 fights deep into an almost two-decade long career.
The elite Mexican has certainly secured his place in the Hall of Fame having held multiple titles over four divisions and fought to become one of, if not the, biggest star in boxing.
Is he still the best fighter in the world, as he was recently considered by many? Or even the best in his own division?
Speaking on Pro Box TV, former world champion turned analyst Paulie Malignaggi revealed he currently ranks the undisputed champion as the third best active 168 pounder, despite him holding all four major belts.
“You’d still consider it a special achievement, but keep in mind Canelo is maybe the third best super-middleweight in the world right now. Maybe. And he’s diminishing little-by-little.
You’ve got a guy that’s holding all the belts hostage, who, if he was to fight the best guys in the weight class, probably wouldn’t have them anyway.”
Malignaggi went on to name the two men he considers above Canelo and said Terence Crawford – who has been calling the Mexican superstar out ever since he became undisputed three divisions down – wants the fight because he feels it’s the right time to strike.
“Would Crawford fight a [David] Morrell or a [David] Benavidez? Probably not. So you’re seeing an opportunity where there’s sort of a weaker champion and you’re jumping on it right now. Listen, it’s still a fight that brings curiosity because Crawford is the smaller guy. He was a lightweight at one time.
So there are opportunities here where you’re looking at it and saying he’s too small, he just can’t get it done. But, at the same time, when you look at all the variables together, there’s a path to victory for Crawford. It’s not the biggest shock.”
David Morrell is an undefeated Cuban with nine knockouts from ten wins. He is the WBA Regular Champion. David Benavidez has more of a claim to the throne, having twice been a champion at 168. He is currently the WBC’s mandatory challenger for the title.
Canelo is slated to return in September, but an opponent is yet to be announced and isn’t expected to be either man mentioned above.
