The relationship between Oscar De La Hoya and Canelo Alvarez remains strained, marked by public disputes and lingering tension. De La Hoya, who guided Canelo’s career through 2020, played a pivotal role in helping the Mexican superstar become a three-weight world champion, claiming titles at super welterweight, middleweight, and light heavyweight.
However, their partnership ended in a highly publicized split, with Canelo leaving Golden Boy Promotions to continue his career independently. Since then, Canelo has achieved remarkable success, becoming the undisputed super middleweight champion.
Although he lost the IBF belt last year, he has a chance to regain it and reclaim undisputed status when he faces William Scull in May. After that, Canelo is expected to turn his attention to a highly anticipated showdown with pound-for-pound superstar Terence Crawford in September.
De La Hoya’s warning to Canelo
Despite Canelo’s ambitious plans, De La Hoya has advised his former protégé to avoid one particular opponent: Dmitry Bivol, the undisputed light heavyweight champion. Speaking to Fight Hub TV, De La Hoya was unequivocal in his assessment: “There is no way he beats Bivol. There is just no way. Styles make fights. As much as I would want to see a Mexican win inside that ring, there is no way he beats Bivol.”
Saul Canelo Alvarez arrives prior to the RING Magazine Awards at Old Royal Naval College on January 11, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Canelo and Bivol first clashed in May 2022 at 175 pounds, with Bivol securing a unanimous decision victory to retain his WBA light heavyweight title. The loss made Bivol only the second man, after Floyd Mayweather, to defeat Canelo in his professional career.
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Bivol’s dominance in the light heavyweight division
Bivol solidified his status as one of boxing’s elite fighters last month when he defeated Artur Beterbiev in their rematch to become the undisputed light heavyweight champion. This victory has reignited speculation about a potential rematch with Canelo, though Bivol may face other challenges first, including a possible bout against an undefeated contender or a mandatory defense of his titles.
The importance of style matchups
De La Hoya’s warning underscores the complexity of boxing matchups, where styles often determine outcomes. His insistence that Canelo avoid Bivol reflects his deep conviction about the light heavyweight champion’s superiority and the risks he poses to Canelo’s legacy.
While Canelo’s focus remains on his upcoming fights with Scull and Crawford, the question of a Bivol rematch looms in the background. Whether Canelo heeds De La Hoya’s advice or decides to chase redemption against Bivol will be a defining moment in his storied career.
