WHAT now for Canelo Alvarez following his lopsided 12-round factors win over Jermell Charlo? The 33-year-old has now gained three in a row and exhibited full management over an unbeaten rival who some within the business thought would possibly give the outdated campaigner an honest scrap.
Yet these in Las Vegas to witness Canelo transfer to 60-2-2 (39) talked about the shortage of pleasure surrounding the occasion. Without query, outdoors of our boxing bubble, there was not even a whisper being uttered about it. That needs to be a priority for the supposed largest attraction within the sport. Another routine outing will certainly not come next…
Alvarez dominates Charlo in Las Vegas (Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
5) Jai Opetaia
Fighters as influential as Canelo do no matter they like. When they ‘unify’ belts and grow to be ‘undisputed’ champions it’s as a result of they need to shout about it and never – let’s be clear – as a result of they must. And now he’s overwhelmed the chief from two divisions under don’t be stunned if he takes purpose on the chief from two divisions above.
Though WBC boss Badou Jack is a likelier goal ought to Alvarez set his sights on a fifth divisional strap, Jai Opetaia, 23-0 (18), is perhaps the extra marketable possibility. Though arguably the perfect within the weight class, he’s not an invincible man nor a terrifying bodily presence. The Aussie oozes depth and charisma and, crucially, it could be deemed winnable for the Mexican celebrity.
Opetaia stops Thompson at Wembley Arena (Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing)
4) Dmitry Bivol
This was as soon as the rematch Canelo craved after Bivol, 21-0 (11), outpointed him in May 2022. It gave the impression to be within the works for some time too. Yet the character of the light-heavyweight’s victory was so convincing, one wonders if Alvarez had second ideas or was suggested in opposition to pursuing a return.
But don’t query the fiery aggressive streak that burns contained in the Mexican. He gained’t have forgotten the primary combat nor be comfortable with an lively fighter holding such vital bragging rights over him. A cushty winner in his three subsequent contests, Canelo might now really feel that the time is correct to place the document straight.
Dmitry Bivol assaults Alvarez on the T-Mobile Arena on May 7, 2022 in Las Vegas (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
3) Jaime Munguia
This all-Mexico showdown could possibly be large with the correct setting. Though educated followers would rightly title Canelo a wholesome favorite, marketeers might spin Munguia’s 42-0 (33) stats to make this an interesting battle between youth and expertise.
That his outdated promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, is behind Munguia’s wheel is perhaps problematic on the floor, however Canelo would little question savour the chance to get one over his outdated grasp. Better nonetheless, not solely does Munguia have a mode that Canelo thrives in opposition to, the world super-middleweight champion will probably be acutely conscious that he ought to win this one at a canter.
Munguia celebrates his victory over Takeshi Inoue (Bob Levey/Getty Images)
2) David Benavidez
The aficionado’s selection, Benavidez is with out debate Canelo’s largest rival at 168lbs. And contemplating Canelo is the world champion within the weight class, certainly he ought to defend in opposition to his main contender.
A win over Benavidez, 27-0 (23), would go away Alvarez with little or no to show and improve his legacy. He’d additionally begin as favorite in opposition to a boxer who, although younger (26) and proficient, has not fought at something like the extent Canelo is so accustomed to.
Perhaps the most important stumbling block for this one is the curiosity stage and subsequently the prize cash on supply. Benavidez will not be precisely a family title and given the flowery storylines that could possibly be manifested with different opponents, the outdated risk-reward issue would possibly make this a non-starter at this stage of Canelo’s profession.
David Benavidez (Getty Images)
1) Terence Crawford
After trouncing Errol Spence to assert welterweight supremacy, the 40-0 (31) Crawford is broadly thought to be the perfect fighter in the whole sport. Which clearly means that he’s broadly regarded to be a greater fighter than Canelo. That alone would possibly hassle Alvarez, who takes pleasure in his celebrity standing.
There are after all weight lessons for good motive, because the victory over Jermell Charlo proved, however a Canelo-Crawford showdown is the most important combat to be made in boxing immediately. Consequently, the cash on supply could be ginormous and, if ‘Bud’ retains antagonising his esteemed goal, Canelo would possibly simply comply with take it for the possibility to close him up.
Crawford enjoys his victory lap after beating Errol Spence Jr. (Getty Images)
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