Now, what does the future hold for Canelo Alvarez after his dominant points victory over Jermell Charlo? Despite some speculation that Charlo could pose a challenge, Alvarez exhibited complete control over his unbeaten opponent. However, the lack of excitement surrounding the event has raised concerns about his status as the sport’s biggest attraction. Therefore, another routine outing is unlikely to be next for Alvarez.
Fighters of Canelo’s caliber have the freedom to choose their next opponents. They unify belts and become undisputed champions because they want to, not because they are obligated to. With his recent victory over Charlo, don’t be surprised if Alvarez sets his sights on the leader from two divisions above. While WBC boss Badou Jack is a potential target, Jai Opetaia might be a more marketable option. Opetaia, though highly skilled, is not invincible or physically imposing, making him a winnable opponent for Alvarez.
A rematch with Dmitry Bivol, who convincingly outpointed Alvarez in May 2022, was once desired by Canelo. However, it is unclear if Alvarez had second thoughts or received advice against pursuing a return. Nonetheless, Alvarez’s competitive nature and desire to rectify the first fight’s outcome may lead him to seek a rematch with Bivol. With comfortable wins in his subsequent bouts, Alvarez may feel the time is right to set the record straight.
An all-Mexico showdown between Alvarez and Jaime Munguia could be a massive event with the right setting. While knowledgeable fans would consider Alvarez the clear favorite, marketers could use Munguia’s unbeaten record to create an appealing battle between youth and experience. Additionally, the opportunity to get one over his old promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, who is behind Munguia’s career, would surely be enticing for Alvarez. Furthermore, Munguia’s style plays into Alvarez’s strengths, making him a formidable yet beatable opponent.
David Benavidez is considered Alvarez’s biggest rival at 168lbs by boxing aficionados. As the world champion in the weight class, Alvarez should defend his title against Benavidez, proving his dominance and enhancing his legacy. Although Benavidez is talented, young, and undefeated, he has not faced opponents of the same caliber as Alvarez. The potential stumbling block for this matchup is the level of interest and the prize money involved. Benavidez is not a household name, and other opponents may offer more compelling storylines, creating a risk-reward factor that could hinder this bout from happening at this stage of Alvarez’s career.
Terence Crawford, regarded by many as the best fighter in the sport after defeating Errol Spence, presents an intriguing challenge for Alvarez. The idea of Crawford being considered better than Alvarez might bother the Mexican superstar, who takes pride in his status. Despite the difference in weight classes, a showdown between Canelo and Crawford would be the biggest fight in boxing today. The anticipated financial gains and the opportunity to silence his rival could entice Alvarez to accept the challenge.
In conclusion, the future for Canelo Alvarez holds various possibilities for exciting matchups. From marketable opponents like Jai Opetaia and Jaime Munguia to potentially redemptive rematches against Dmitry Bivol and David Benavidez, there are compelling fights to be made. However, the biggest fight to be made in boxing today is a showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford, which could offer substantial financial rewards and provide Alvarez with the chance to prove his superiority.
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