“Canelo, Bivol, and Beterbiev… I knock out all three. All three in the same night,” Benavidez said in an interview with ESPN Knockout, doubling down when asked which of the three he believed he could finish.

While the claim of beating all three in one night is impossible, it shows how Benavidez is building his “Monster” image and trying to get attention from fans and the boxing world. His goal is to make it impossible for the biggest names to ignore him.

Moving up to light heavyweight

Since moving up to 175 pounds, Benavidez, who recently admitted that a clash with Canelo may never happen, has shown he can hold his own against bigger fighters. He no longer enjoys the size advantage he had at 168, so he now leans more on his speed, combinations, and endurance.

Bivol is one of the toughest challenges. The Russian fighter uses distance, footwork, and a strong jab to control the ring. Experts think he could avoid Benavidez’s attacks and win by points, but Benavidez believes his speed and pressure style can overcome those defenses.

The Beterbiev test

Beterbiev is a very different type of challenge. He is extremely strong and excels at fighting up close. Benavidez is faster and throws more combinations, but taking a solid punch from Beterbiev is a big risk. This fight could go either way, with Benavidez’s youth and stamina against Beterbiev’s power and experience.

Canelo remains the most elusive target. By naming him along with Bivol and Beterbiev, Benavidez keeps the conversation going and builds pressure for a future matchup. His statements, while bold, clearly show he wants to be seen as one of the top fighters at 175 pounds and is ready for the biggest tests in the division.

Focused on reasserting his dominance at 168 pounds, and aware of the diverse skill sets that converge in boxing’s elite, Alvarez faced the challenge of selecting the five fighters who, regardless of weight class, stand out for their technical excellence, power, and consistency. This task, taken on during a recent interview with DAZN, also revealed Canelo’s deep admiration for certain colleagues, some of whom could be future opponents in the ring.

The list compiled by Alvarez offers a fascinating insight into his criteria as an elite boxer, underscoring the attributes he believes are essential at the top of the sport. His selection spans a wide variety of styles and divisions but centers around respect for technical mastery and the ability to transcend weight limitations.

Canelo’s picks

The first name to emerge in Canelo’s assessment was Terence Crawford, a ring virtuoso whose name has often been mentioned as a potential opponent for the Mexican champion.

Oleksandr Usyk claims the second spot in Canelo’s ranking. The Ukrainian has made an indelible mark on boxing history by unifying the titles in two dramatically different weight divisions: cruiserweight and heavyweight.

Taking third place is Naoya Inoue, the Japanese powerhouse whose combination of speed, power, and skill has earned him championships in four divisions, including the unification of titles in two.

Knockout power and pending rematch round out Canelo’s elite

Canelo’s fourth pick is Gervonta Davis, the explosive WBA lightweight champion. With an undefeated record of 30-0-1, including 28 knockouts, Davis represents a formidable threat to anyone in his division.

Finally, rounding out Canelo’s top five is Dmitry Bivol, the Russian light heavyweight champion. Bivol’s victory over Artur Beterbiev has solidified his status as the undisputed light heavyweight champion.

Canelo Alvarez’s top five pound-for-pound ranking highlights a unique blend of generational talent and potential future matchups that will undoubtedly fuel the excitement of boxing fans worldwide. These fighters represent the pinnacle of boxing today, showcasing not only technical brilliance but also the ongoing evolution of the sport.

In 2024, Canelo lost his undisputed champion status when the International Boxing Federation (IBF) stripped him of his 168-pound title after he refused to fight Scull. The Cuban fighter took advantage of this opportunity, winning the IBF title and joining the WBC and WBO titles that Canelo still holds. This sets the stage for a compelling confrontation, with personal revenge now factoring into Canelo’s motivations.

However, there’s one name that continues to drive Canelo even more: Dmitry Bivol. Over his 15-year professional career, only two fighters have defeated the Mexican icon: the now-retired Floyd Mayweather in 2011 and Bivol, who bested him in 2022.

Canelo’s focus on a rematch with Dmitry Bivol

Canelo’s loss to Bivol is the only blemish on his otherwise stellar career, and it left a lasting mark on his pride. Despite the setback, Canelo is determined to prove himself in a rematch. “I hope to have the opportunity for that rematch with Bivol; it’s the only fight at 175 that I really want,” Canelo stated, expressing his ambition to challenge the Russian champion again.

Canelo’s reflection on the Bivol defeat

Although the loss to Bivol stung, Canelo maintains a growth-oriented mindset, seeing it as an opportunity to learn. “It doesn’t bother me (the defeat). I tell myself, ‘Hey, you learned something from that fight—what things you shouldn’t do again,’” he shared in an interview with Ring Magazine, showing his resilient mentality and constant desire for self-improvement.

Canelo also pointed out that he wasn’t at his best during the fight against Bivol. He was physically compromised due to injuries to his hand and knee, which prevented him from competing at full capacity. “I was 50% of my skills there (against Bivol), without conditioning, nothing. I couldn’t run, I couldn’t spar because of my hand injury. I also couldn’t run due to my knee injury, so I was fighting with those two injuries. Despite that, I had a good fight, but I know it wasn’t enough.”

Oscar De La Hoya, former multi-division world champion and now respected promoter, has thrown his full support behind a rising force: David Benavidez. A two-time WBC super middleweight champion and current WBC light heavyweight titleholder, Benavidez has caught De La Hoya’s eye as the fighter with the tools to end Bivol’s undefeated streak.

In a conversation with Fight Hub TV, De La Hoya explained his reasoning with conviction: “I would go with Benavidez because he is more active and throws more punches and has better footwork than Beterbiev. He’s smarter up there and knows how to think and how to adjust. I would go with Benavidez.”

The pillars of De La Hoya’s confidence

At just 28, David Benavidez combines physical freshness with tactical versatility. Though slightly younger than Bivol, it’s his sharp reflexes, high volume, and ability to adapt inside the ring that fuel De La Hoya’s belief. “The Monster” has remained undefeated and shown an evolving skill set that matches his hunger for greatness.

Is Bivol vs. Benavidez a real possibility?

Intriguingly, the seeds for a potential showdown have already been planted. After Bivol vacated the WBC title to focus on a now-defunct rematch with Beterbiev, the sanctioning body named Benavidez as WBC light heavyweight champion—without him throwing a single punch for it. This unique circumstance only adds fuel to the anticipation of a future clash between two of the division’s most formidable names.

With both men now holding world titles at 175 pounds, and with momentum building from fans and promoters alike, the question remains: Will David Benavidez be the one to finally dethrone Dmitry Bivol?

This unexpected decision leaves Benavidez without an opponent and alters what was expected to be a thrilling showdown, signaling a shift in Bivol’s focus toward a different future.

Bivol, who currently holds the IBF, WBA, and WBO light heavyweight titles, appears committed to a trilogy with Artur Beterbiev, a fight that has become a priority for both the Russian champion and his promoter, Turki Alalshikh. The third bout between the two seems imminent, as both fighters are tied 1-1 in their previous encounters, making the trilogy a natural and lucrative conclusion to their rivalry.

The timing of Bivol’s decision to vacate the WBC belt might also be driven by financial considerations. A trilogy with Beterbiev is likely to generate a significantly larger purse, making it an attractive opportunity for the champion. Bivol’s frequent support of Turki on social media suggests that their strong working relationship may have played a role in prioritizing this matchup.

Benavidez’s future after Bivol’s decision

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman voiced his frustration over Bivol’s decision via his X account, revealing that Bivol had withdrawn from the potential fight against Benavidez and would return the WBC belt.

Sulaiman’s statement read: “I have just received a cold and impersonal notification from Dmitry Bivol’s lawyer, Patrick English, with arguments so ridiculous that I prefer not to comment on the decision to inform the WBC that Dmitry Bivol has decided to relinquish his WBC light heavyweight championship. We wish Bivol success and confirm David Benavidez as the WBC light heavyweight world champion.”

What’s next for Bivol and Benavidez?

Sulaiman’s frustration with Bivol’s decision is palpable, and now Benavidez’s team must turn their attention elsewhere to find a new opponent for the “Mexican Monster.” With Bivol and Beterbiev currently off the table, names like David Morrell are emerging as potential contenders. However, the WBC will ultimately determine Benavidez’s next opponent, and boxing fans are sure to stay on edge as the situation continues to unfold.

Bivol’s surprising move opens a new chapter in the light heavyweight division, with the trilogy against Beterbiev now the focal point, while Benavidez’s future remains uncertain.

This potential clash of titans has generated enormous excitement, especially after Dmitry Bivol, who handed Canelo a memorable defeat in 2022, shared valuable insights on how Crawford could replicate his success.

With Canelo on a five-fight winning streak and cementing his dominance following his foray into the 175-pound division, Crawford faces a monumental challenge. However, Bivol, the current undisputed king of light heavyweights, believes Crawford’s mental strength and adaptability could be decisive in this historic fight.

Bivol’s strategy for Crawford

Bivol, speaking on The Ring Podcast, emphasized the importance of adaptation and mental preparation for Crawford. “He needs to get used to the power and pressure of 168 because it’s [different], a big difference, to be honest,” Bivol explained. “Maybe he will get used to it. And how he will be feeling himself the same day he is fighting, how his training camp will go on. But he is able, he has good skills, he is awkward, and he can use two boxing stances. It gives him benefits, of course.”

Bivol also highlighted the critical role of mental preparation. “It’s not only about getting used to the power, it’s also about being mentally ready. When people are not prepared mentally, they become afraid or scared, and your body becomes weak. When something new happens and you weren’t ready for it—we all know this feeling—the body melts, it becomes soft. Mentality is very important for this fight.”

Canelo’s inconsistency and Crawford’s opportunity

Bivol pointed out Canelo’s inconsistent performances against different opponents, suggesting that mentality plays a significant role. “At the same time, we saw how Canelo was fighting against other guys like [Jermell] Charlo, maybe Callum Smith, and we saw the huge difference,” Bivol said. “I think it’s not because of weight class, it’s about the mentality of the opponents.”

Crawford’s confidence and adaptability

Terence Crawford, a former undisputed champion in the 147-pound division and a titleholder in four weight classes, is no stranger to challenges. Despite being considered the underdog, Crawford is confident in his ability to adapt and overcome.

“Man, we’re going to see come fight time what my advantage is,” Crawford said. “I’m the type of guy who likes to feel my opponents out and adjust to what they’re doing. I think that’s my greatest attribute—to be able to figure out every opponent I’ve faced thus far. I’m looking to do the same come fight time when the Canelo fight happens.”

Crawford also addressed concerns about his size and ability to compete at 168 pounds. “People say, ‘You’re too small’ or ‘You’re outmatched’ or ‘You don’t belong in the ring with these types of fighters.’ But I’ve been proving people wrong my whole career.”

A rematch with Bivol has been mentioned as one of the possibilities within his four-fight deal with Riyadh Season, although several hurdles remain. First, Canelo must defeat William Scull, the IBF super middleweight mandatory challenger. After that, a potential showdown with the legendary Terence Crawford looms in September. These immediate commitments are crucial in defining Canelo’s future path.

Canelo is at a point in his career where the search for new challenges becomes inevitable. The question resonating among fans is whether this will open the door to a return to 175 pounds, where he could seek redemption against undisputed champion Dmitry Bivol. In recent statements, Canelo has not ruled out any option, showing his willingness to face significant challenges.

The Possibility of a Rematch with Dmitry Bivol

The rematch between Canelo and Bivol is a topic that generates great excitement in the boxing world. Their first fight made it clear that Bivol poses a formidable challenge for Canelo, and a second bout would offer the Mexican star a chance at redemption.

“Everything can happen,” Canelo said, according to The Ring magazine on X. “Everything is a possibility. I like challenges, and we’ll see.” This statement underscores Canelo’s openness to exploring various options in his career, including a potential return to light heavyweight.

The challenge of facing Bivol

In their first fight, Bivol secured a unanimous decision victory, retaining his WBA light heavyweight title. Bivol’s advantage in size, reach, and technical skill proved to be an insurmountable challenge for Canelo. If both fighters navigate their upcoming commitments successfully, a rematch could be on the horizon. A win in this second meeting would further cement the legacy of either boxer.

The return to light heavyweight and the challenges Ahead

Canelo’s potential return to the light heavyweight division opens up a range of possibilities and challenges. Beyond a rematch with Bivol, Canelo could face other prominent names in the division, such as Artur Beterbiev or David Benavidez. The decision to move back to 175 pounds will depend on several factors, including the outcome of his upcoming bouts and the opportunities that present themselves.

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.”

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.

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.

The deal between Turki and Canelo includes four fights, all set to take place in Saudi Arabia. With three bouts already organized and planned, Canelo, for the first time in his career, has a clear path to maintaining and extending his reign at 168 pounds. This strategic planning ensures that the Mexican star remains at the center of the boxing world’s attention for years to come.

The fourth bout in his contract with Al-Alshikh has fans buzzing with excitement, as it could potentially feature a star like David Benavidez or Dmitry Bivol. However, no progress had been made in finalizing a deal for any of these dream matchups, leaving the door open to speculation and anticipation.

Who will be Canelo Alvarez’s next opponent in 2026?

Canelo’s next opponent in 2026 will be the winner of the upcoming fight between Britain’s Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn, scheduled for April 26. “Whoever is the winner, we are working in the future to have him fight against Canelo,” Al-Alshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, told Sky Sports. While many boxing analysts consider Eubank Jr. the favorite, the winner, regardless of who it is, will earn the chance to challenge Canelo in 2026.

The impact of Canelo’s planned fights

Canelo’s carefully curated fight schedule not only solidifies his dominance in the super middleweight division but also keeps fans eagerly anticipating each bout. By facing a mix of established stars and rising contenders, Canelo is ensuring his legacy remains untouchable. Whether it’s the technical challenge of Crawford or the unexpected clash with Eubank Jr. or Benn, each fight adds a new chapter to his storied career.

What’s next for Canelo Alvarez?

Canelo’s schedule is packed with high-stakes matchups: in May 2025, he will face William Scull; in September 2025, he takes on Terence Crawford; and in 2026, he will meet the winner of the Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Conor Benn fight.

Bivol, who shocked the boxing world by defeating Canelo, believes Crawford has the skills to pull off an upset. Bivol and Beterbiev are just days away from their highly anticipated second meeting. Their first fight, which ended with a controversial decision in favor of Beterbiev, sparked debate on social media, with many feeling Bivol deserved the victory.

Despite the refereeing controversy, both boxers are gearing up for their high-stakes showdown this Saturday, presented by Riyadh Season. The winner of this fight could potentially face David Benavidez.

During a media session, Bivol shared his insights on how Crawford might fare against Canelo Alvarez if their bout takes place in Las Vegas. Given Bivol’s experience of defeating Canelo, his opinion has become an authoritative voice on how to break down the Mexican boxer’s style.

Bivol’s advice to Crawford

In an interview with Fight Hub TV, Bivol was asked about the potential Crawford vs. Canelo fight, and he offered his thoughts without hesitation. “I don’t know how much size matters, but it will be an interesting fight,” Bivol commented. “Two of the best fighters in their weight classes, with very different styles, it will be a great matchup.”

Bivol then gave Crawford simple yet vital advice for the fight: “He needs to do his job, and he does it very well. He’s been making some adjustments, changing his movements, and keeping distance. He doesn’t need to exchange punches. If he sticks to his game plan, he could definitely win.”

Canelo’s power vs Crawford’s strategy

Bivol highlighted the importance of Crawford’s strategic approach. He believes Terence Crawford should avoid trading punches with Canelo and focus on maintaining distance while using his movement and adaptability. This strategy, Bivol believes, will be crucial for Crawford in controlling the pace of the fight and avoiding being overwhelmed by Canelo’s power.

When asked about who is stronger between the two, Bivol acknowledged Canelo’s strength. “Canelo, of course. He’s in his natural weight class, and he’ll be looking to use his power. Anything can happen. He’ll go for the strong punches,” Bivol stated. “But for Crawford, the key is his intelligence and his ability to box from the outside.”

As Bivol finalizes his preparations for his rematch with Beterbiev, he remains confident in his own skills while offering valuable insights on how Crawford could challenge Canelo in their upcoming showdown.

However, many experts and fans criticized Canelo for not getting the knockout against a brave Ryder who resisted a massive punishment during 12 rounds. Once again, something was missing from the No.1 ranked boxer in the world.

Now, the big question for Canelo is what’s next if he really wants to add greatness in his boxing legacy. Though David Benavidez is the most popular fans choice, Alvarez has only one name on his mind: Dmitry Bivol. Still, the rematch will only happen under his terms.

Saul Canelo Alvarez wants rematch with Dmitry Bivol on his terms

After the win against John Ryder at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, SaulCanelo Alvarez was asked if he already knew who will be his next rival. Of course, it’s a massive decision as September 16 is one of the most important dates for boxing (Mexico’s Independence Day) and a blockbuster slot in the calendar.

The answer from Canelo was clear: Dmitry Bivol. However, there’s an unexpected condition which has surprised experts and fans to make it happen. It has to be in 175 lbs. “Same rules, same terms, same everything (weight division). I just want it in that way. Everybody knows we want Bivol. The rematch with Bivol. If the fight with Bivol doesn’t happen, then we’ll see. I’m able to fight everybody.”

Though Canelo will be more comfortable at 168 lbs, it seems that he doesn’t want to risk his four belts as the super middlweight division champion. So, even if it’s a disadvantage, he’ll go for 175 lbs. Nevertheless, there might be a problem for the other side involved.

Dmitry Bivol now wants to go down to challenge for Canelo’s titles. “We fought at 175 and I beat him. So now I’m willing to take a risk and go to 168 because it’s a motivation for me to try to fight for all the titles at 168. Why should I even do the rematch at 175? What is the challenge or what motivation for me if I’ve already beaten him at that weight class?”