Saul “Canelo” Alvarez secured a dominant victory on Saturday by defeating former WBC super middleweight champion Christian Mbilli via unanimous decision in Riyadh, marking his strong comeback to boxing’s top tier after a 13-month break. At 36 years old and over 20 years into his career, Canelo has only been bested by some of the very best in the sport.
Terence Crawford, now retired, was the last to beat Canelo in 2025, with Dmitry Bivol having done so three years earlier, both by decision. However, this weekend’s performance demonstrated Canelo still possesses the skill and power to dominate elite opponents even as he moves toward the twilight of his career.
Looking ahead, a highly anticipated but now unlikely fight against David Benavidez seems off the table, especially after trainer Eddy Reynoso declared earlier this year that the matchup is dead. Benavidez, who currently holds unified cruiserweight titles at 200 pounds, fights too far above Canelo’s recent 168-pound division.
Other potential opponents linked to Canelo also appear less viable now, including Jake Paul, who is set to return to the ring on December 24 against Cedric Doumbe in Dubai. While such a bout might attract Netflix and casual viewers, it conflicts with Canelo’s current status as a championship-caliber fighter focused on title unification, rather than spectacle fights often seen as stepping stones to retirement.
Here’s a rundown of the most likely contenders to face Canelo next, ordered from less probable to near-certainty:
7. Terence Crawford Rematch
A rematch with Crawford might happen someday, but not soon. Canelo expressed hope that Crawford might end his retirement for a second fight, now that Alvarez has reclaimed the WBC belt. Reynoso agrees, confident that tactical adjustments would swing the result in Canelo’s favor. However, this would depend on Crawford’s willingness to risk his perfect record, especially as Canelo can offer only one of the world titles Crawford previously held. Additionally, recent budget tightening by Saudi backers may make a lucrative payout challenging. If unification victories come first, or Bivol is defeated in a rematch, the Crawford fight becomes more plausible.
6. Chris Eubank Jr. at Wembley Stadium
Though a fight with British contender Chris Eubank Jr. has been talked about for a while, it’s less enticing because Eubank appeared diminished after losing to Conor Benn in 2025. Had Eubank won twice, he might have been a gateway for Canelo to tap into the lucrative UK market. Eubank seems more likely to take on a less prominent opponent at the moment. Other North American stars, like Errol Spence Jr., have successfully drawn UK fans in recent years. If Eubank isn’t an option, Canelo might consider Benn or Ben Whittaker, though their ability to fill large stadiums remains uncertain.
5. Osleys Iglesias for IBF Title Unification
Cuban southpaw Osleys Iglesias, the IBF super middleweight champion, is eager for a fight with Canelo and offers the chance to unify belts. Iglesias is confident in his skills but doubts the fight will happen. This matchup is high risk for Canelo due to Iglesias’s effective counterpunching and power, but Iglesias lacks significant commercial appeal, which may deter the fight’s promotion.
4. Winner of Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Jacob Bank for WBO Title
Janibek Alimkhanuly and Jacob Bank are set to fight for the vacant WBO super middleweight title in January 2027. Either winner could be a potential opponent for Canelo, providing another unification possibility. Alimkhanuly, a southpaw with proven credentials, would pose a more technical challenge than the less established Bank. However, neither fighter offers the commercial or legacy allure of others.
3. Dmitry Bivol Rematch
Although Canelo lost a decision to Bivol in their 2022 light heavyweight bout, Bivol has hinted at a rematch and even suggested fighting at 168 pounds to remove any doubts. Canelo, however, insists on a rematch at light heavyweight, a weight he’s less committed to returning to soon. Bivol’s superior jab and feints had neutralized Canelo before, making this rematch one of the toughest tests.
2. Lester Martinez for WBC Consolidation in Mexico
Since Canelo aims to stay at super middleweight, a fight with interim WBC champion Lester Martinez is a logical next step to consolidate the WBC titles. Martinez was ringside during Canelo’s recent title win, making him a prominent candidate. This bout could also bring Canelo back to fight in Mexico, potentially at the iconic Estadio Azteca, where massive crowds have gathered for historic fights.
1. Hamzah Sheeraz in Riyadh
With one fight left on his Saudi Arabia contract, Canelo’s most sensible opponent might be Hamzah Sheeraz. Sheeraz has fought multiple bouts at Saudi-backed events, impressing with quality wins that convinced Saudi officials he deserved a fight with Canelo. Given the strong support from Saudi boxing promoters and the nearing end of Canelo’s Saudi tenure, Sheeraz stands out as the most probable next adversary.
Fan Take:
This update is crucial for fight fans as it clarifies the future landscape of one of boxing’s biggest stars, showcasing Canelo’s sustained dominance and the potential major bouts that could shape the sport’s next chapter. The mix of title unification options and high-profile rematches keeps anticipation high, promising thrilling matchups that could define the super middleweight division for years to come.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
