Future Directions for Canelo Alvarez
Following Canelo Alvarez’s recent defeat to Terence Crawford, the future of the Mexican boxing icon’s illustrious career may be taking an unforeseen direction. Having lost his titles in the super middleweight division, Canelo now finds himself contemplating a significant shift to the cruiserweight class, where the World Boxing Council (WBC) crown is currently held by Badou Jack.
Potential Move to Cruiserweight
This shift is not entirely new for Alvarez; a potential move to cruiserweight was first broached during the WBC Convention in 2021 when his long-time coach, Eddy Reynoso, sought a shot against then-champion Ilunga Makabu. Although that fight never came to fruition, with Jack dethroning Makabu in 2023, the prospect of Canelo vying for the 200-pound title has resurfaced.
Challenges in Negotiations
Badou Jack, who secured the cruiserweight title, has indicated that a proposed matchup with Canelo has encountered difficulties related to weight negotiations. Jack noted, “They wanted to drain the old man and fight me twenty pounds under the cruiserweight limit for the title, plus a rehydration clause.”
He further suggested, “Canelo, let’s give the fans what they want to see and fight David Benavidez,” indicating that he might prefer other matches over a direct clash with Alvarez for now.
Promotional Interests and Future Engagements
Despite Jack’s reservations, the allure of a cruiserweight showdown remains strong, especially with Middle Eastern promoters taking an interest in organizing the event. The Riyadh Season event organization had previously worked with Jack for his defense against Noel Mikaelian, which has raised the potential for further collaborations.
Prominently involved is Turki Alalshikh, who recently visited Canelo and reported that Alvarez is taking some time off with his family but is open to future engagements in boxing. Alalshikh expressed gratitude to Canelo for having gifted him the gloves from the Crawford fight, while also hinting that there is an intention to promote a high-stakes cruiserweight bout, should all necessary parties be amenable to negotiations.
WBC Support and Legacy Goals
The WBC’s President, Mauricio Sulaiman, has shared his support for Alvarez’s pursuit of a fifth division title, emphasizing the historical significance such a fight could embody. For Canelo, who has thoroughly cleared the super middleweight landscape during his reign, the cruiserweight category presents an exciting new challenge where he can establish another significant achievement in his boxing saga. However, it will hinge on Jack’s willingness to adjust the weight stipulations for a possible fight.
Looking Ahead
If negotiations proceed smoothly and Jack overcomes Mikaelian in his rematch, the boxing community might witness Alvarez stepping into the cruiserweight realm in the first half of 2026.
After the setback against Crawford, the prospect of a rematch with Dmitry Bivol at 175 pounds appears dim, as Canelo is unlikely to risk suffering back-to-back defeats. At 35 years old, he remains determined to enhance his legacy, advancing towards becoming one of the sport’s all-time greats. The boxing world remains poised to track Alvarez’s journey as he seeks to capture another prestigious title—whether against Jack or another cruiserweight contender.
