Who should Canelo Álvarez face as his next opponent?

Canelo Álvarez just doesn’t stop. Fresh off a dominant performance over Edgar Berlanga, where he successfully defended his three super-middleweight titles, the 34-year-old Mexican fighter shows no signs of slowing down. With 66 fights under his belt, many would expect the four-division world champion to start thinking about retirement. But that’s not how Canelo operates.

Since his only recent loss to Dmitry Bivol in May 2022, Canelo has bounced back with five straight victories, dispatching some serious names along the way: Gennadiy Golovkin, John Ryder, Jermell Charlo, Jaime Munguia, and now, Berlanga. None of these opponents came close to threatening Canelo, and for some fans, that’s part of the problem. The question everyone is now asking is: who’s next for the 168-pound king?

David Benavidez: The People’s Choice

If you ask fans who they want to see Canelo fight, the answer is almost always David Benavidez. The unbeaten Benavidez (27-0, 23 KOs) has been on a tear, and his aggressive, relentless style makes him a thrilling potential matchup for Álvarez. Benavidez has shown he can devastate opponents with his power, and many believe he could pose a genuine threat to Canelo’s dominance at super-middleweight.

The issue? Politics and timing. The fight seems unlikely in the immediate future. Benavidez has been campaigning at light-heavyweight recently and will probably continue to do so, at least for now. But as big-money fights often go, the right offer could eventually make this showdown a reality. A 2025 matchup isn’t out of the question if the stars align.

Terence Crawford: A Pound-for-Pound Clash

Terence “Bud” Crawford, one of boxing’s most skilled fighters, has been vocal about wanting to face Canelo. Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs) has done it all at welterweight, recently unifying all four major belts after dismantling Errol Spence Jr. in a fight that left no doubt about his greatness. But the weight disparity is significant - Crawford currently fights at 147 lbs, and Canelo is at 168 lbs. While fighters jumping multiple weight classes isn’t unheard of in boxing, it’s a huge ask for Crawford to step up that much and face someone as dangerous as Canelo.

Canelo has expressed little interest in the fight, and understandably so. While Crawford’s name would add prestige to his resume, the size advantage Canelo holds makes it hard to justify this as a competitive contest. However, if enough money gets thrown on the table - and let’s be real, that’s often how boxing works - Canelo could change his tune.

Dmitry Bivol: The Revenge Fight

If there’s one opponent Canelo seems to have his heart set on, it’s Dmitry Bivol. The Russian fighter (21-0, 11 KOs) handed Canelo a clear defeat in May 2022, showcasing superior skill and tactical brilliance over 12 rounds. That loss still lingers in Canelo’s mind, and he’s been open about his desire to avenge it.

But Bivol has his own business to attend to. On October 12, Bivol faces Artur Beterbiev, who holds three of the four light-heavyweight belts. If Bivol can unify the light-heavyweight division, the stakes for a rematch with Canelo would rise dramatically, both in terms of legacy and financial reward. A win over an undisputed Bivol would be massive for Canelo and offer the chance to reclaim a belt at 175 lbs, solidifying his already remarkable legacy. But it all depends on how Bivol fares against the fearsome Beterbiev.

Other Options: Cruiserweight and Rising Contenders

Canelo could always surprise everyone by moving up to cruiserweight, a division he has flirted with in the past. One potential opponent is Gilberto Ramirez, a former super-middleweight champion now competing at 200 lbs. If Ramirez can secure a victory over Chris Billam-Smith in November and unify the cruiserweight division, he could make for an interesting target for Canelo. After all, taking down another former Oscar De La Hoya fighter would likely add extra motivation for the Mexican star.

Back at super-middleweight, rising talents like Christian Mbilli and Diego Pacheco are knocking on the door. Mbilli, the WBC’s number one contender, is closing in on a title shot, and his aggressive, action-packed style could provide Canelo with a fresh and challenging opponent. Pacheco, the WBO’s top-ranked contender, might not pose the same level of threat as Mbilli, but he’s another option Canelo’s team could consider if they want to keep the ball rolling without taking a major risk.

What’s Next for Canelo?

At this stage in his career, Canelo has earned the right to pick and choose his opponents. He’s a legend of the sport, but for a fighter like him, legacy matters just as much as money. A fight with Benavidez remains the dream matchup for most fans, but the timing might not be quite right. A rematch with Bivol seems to be where Canelo’s heart lies, especially if the Russian can unify the light-heavyweight belts.

Whoever steps into the ring with Canelo next will have to be prepared for a battle. He’s been on a relentless march, and even at 34, Canelo shows no signs of easing off the gas. His future is still wide open - whether it’s chasing vengeance, facing rising contenders, or making history by moving up in weight, Álvarez continues to keep the boxing world on edge.