Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez is set to return to the ring later this year and potential opponents are beginning to appear.
The undisputed super-middleweight champion was last out in a relatively routine unanimous decision defence against Jaime Munguia, his fourth defense of all four belts.
With mandatory challengers lining up, fans have been hoping the Mexican will fulfil his WBC duties and face David Benavidez. Others fancy seeing a fight against double undisputed champion Terence Crawford even despite the weight disparity.
Whilst it was recently believed that Canelo would be going down the WBA route and defending against number one challenger Edgar Berlanga, ESPN’s Salvador Rodriguez has now reported England’s Chris Eubank Jr to be a new surprising frontrunner.
“The Brit Chris Eubank Jr joined the list of possible opponents for Canelo and is now the favourite to close an agreement.
He was a world middleweight champion and has a record of 33-3 with 24 KOs. He has just knocked out Liam Smith.”
El británico @ChrisEubankJr se sumó a la lista de posibles rivales de @Canelo y ahora es el favorito para cerrar acuerdo. Fue campeón mundial de peso Medio y tiene marca de 33-3 con 24 KO. Acaba de noquear en revancha a Liam Smith, otrora víctima del jalisciense. pic.twitter.com/jdKXNDKWSr
— Salvador Rodriguez (@ChavaESPN) July 4, 2024
Eubank has been fighting at middleweight since 2019 but previously competed up at the more comfortable 168. He has 33 wins and three losses to Billy Joe Saunders, George Groves and Liam Smith – the last of which he avenged by stoppage in his latest bout.
The 33-year-old recently split with his long-term promotional partner Wasserman Boxing. He has been heavily linked to fight Conor Benn after their fight was pulled in the final hour due to Benny’s time failed doping tests coming to light.
Canelo is expected to return in September as he usually does, so more is expected soon.
