Canelo Alvarez didn’t want to talk about his future immediately after his one-sided victory over Jermell Charlo on Saturday night in Las Vegas. He was enjoying the present too much.
The super middleweight champion had just demonstrated with his dominating performance that those convinced he’s in decline had gotten it wrong when he was asked multiple times who he might fight next.
He wouldn’t divulge much, saying at the post-fight news conference that he’d discuss it with his handlers and make a decision when he’s ready.
However, we can speculate. Below are six potential opponents for now or the near future. Note: All five have perfect records.
DAVID BENAVIDEZ (27-0, 23 KOs)
Many fans want to see Alvarez (60-2-2, 39 KOs) defend his titles against his most-compelling potential opponent at 168 pounds, the strapping former two-time titleholder. Benavidez’s name was mentioned when Alvarez was interviewed in the ring.
“I don’t know. I don’t f—ing care,” he responded, his way of saying that no one can take down this version of him.
Alvarez has never expressed great interest in facing Benavidez but he obviously is aware that fans desperately want to see the fight. We’ll see whether Alvarez comes around.
TERENCE CRAWFORD (40-0, 31 KOs)
Alvarez was asked about the 147-pound champion and pound-for-pound king, who recently delivered a career-defining knockout of Errol Spence Jr.
The matchup makes sense in terms of star power; it would do big pay-per-view numbers. However, Crawford would have to move up three divisions for the fight, which wouldn’t be prudent on his part.
Alvarez dismissed that possibility.
“You know, I know I always say if a fight makes sense, why not? But he’s not in our plan,” Alvarez said.
DMITRY BIVOL (21-0, 11 KOs)
Alvarez said recently that he should never have challenged the 175-pound champion when he did (in May of last year) because he wasn’t healthy. His injured left wrist had yet to be surgically repaired.
He would love another crack at the Russian to get things right. And he undoubtedly is more confident than ever that he could turn the tables after his performance on Saturday.
Bivol’s name didn’t come up after his victory over Charlo but you can bet he’s on Alvarez’s mind.
DEMETRIUS ANDRADE (32-0, 19 KOs)
Alvarez seems to take great pride in proving that those who doubt his skillset are wrong.
That skillset would be put to the test against the slick, awkward, left-handed Andrade, who no one has been eager to face. The challenge might just be attractive to the proud Alvarez, however.
God knows that Andrade, a former two-division titleholder who recently moved up to 168, deserves a big fight after all his success.
DAVIS MORRELL (9-0, 8 KOs)
Morrell might not have the name recognition to attract Alvarez but he’s a compelling potential opponent.
The 25-year-old Cuban defector, a southpaw, was an amateur star and has blown through his nine opponents as a professional. He doesn’t have experience in big fight but the all-around ability is there.
Plus, he’s the top contender in the WBA rankings.
JERMALL CHARLO (32-0, 22 KOs)
Alvarez was expected to fight the bigger of the Charlo twins on Saturday. However, Jermall, a middleweight titleholder, was unavailable because he’s dealing with mental health issues.
It’s difficult to imagine him jumping into a fight with Alvarez immediately – after all, Charlo hasn’t fought since June of 2021 – but it might be a compelling matchup after Charlo gets a tune-up fight under his belt.
Obviously, the matchup also would have an interesting background story after Alvarez’s dominating victory over Jermall’s brother. And moving up only one division makes is a lot easier than moving up two.
