Hall of Famer James Toney believes Mexican great Canelo Alvarez should be pursuing a clash with one fighter in particular.
Canelo tasted defeat for the third time in his professional career last month when he was dethroned of his undisputed super-middleweight championship by Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The 35-year-old from Guadalajara now finds himself at a crossroads in his career, although he is expected to make his return to the ring during the early stages of 2026 after he recovers from an injury that he sustained to his elbow.
With rumours already circulating about who the Mexican icon could face next, retired three-weight world champion Toney has told Mill City Boxing that Canelo should pursue a second encounter with ‘Bud’ Crawford if he wants to cement his status as a ‘true champion’.
“If he’s a true fighter, a true champion, he’s gonna want it back and train twice as hard and do what it takes to get the job done, basically that’s what it comes down to right there, 100%.”
Since entering world title contention, only once in Canelo’s career has he taken on the same opponent multiple times, having had a memorable trilogy with Gennady Golovkin.
The two men fought to a draw in their first meeting, while Canelo was victorious in the second and third fights, showing that he potentially has what it takes to improve from an initial bout against a fighter.
Despite Toney’s wishes, it’s expected that Crawford will face a different opponent next, with one champion in particular targeting a showdown against the undisputed super-middleweight champion.
