Speaking after his win in Montreal, Iglesias didn’t hesitate to outline his ambition. “Mom, I’m finally a double world champion – I hope you’re proud of me, but I’ve got more left to go to be undisputed,” he said, signaling that his goal goes beyond just holding a single title.

With a perfect 15-0 record and 14 knockouts, Iglesias has quickly built a reputation as one of the most dangerous fighters in the division. His latest victory came after Pavel Silyagin was unable to continue following eight rounds, giving Iglesias the IBF title and strengthening his case as a rising force at 168 pounds.

A division reshaped after Crawford’s exit

Crawford’s brief run at the top changed the division, but his retirement opened the door for multiple contenders. Fighters like Christian Mbilli and Jose Armando Resendiz now hold titles, while others continue to chase remaining belts.

Iglesias enters that mix with momentum and confidence. His aggressive style and knockout power make him a difficult matchup, and becoming a champion significantly increases his chances of landing major fights against the division’s top names.

Big fights ahead as Iglesias targets full control

The path to becoming undisputed will not be easy. Several champions remain, and potential matchups against fighters like Mbilli or other top contenders could define the division’s future.

Promoter Camille Estephan made the plan clear moving forward. “We have two titles… there is the WBA and WBO left. We’re gonna get them… whoever is gonna be courageous enough to go in with this guy,” he said, reinforcing the team’s aggressive approach.

For Iglesias, the message is simple: this is just the beginning. With power, confidence, and a title now in hand, he is aiming to take full control of the division in the post-Crawford era.

In an interview with FightHub, Crawford addressed recent speculation about a potential matchup with newly crowned WBC welterweight world champion Ryan Garcia. “Ryan is just being Ryan. It’s OK. Me and Ryan are on two different levels, so there is nothing to entertain really,” Crawford said, underscoring his confidence and the gap between his achievements and those of his challengers.

The 35-year-old remains proud of his career accomplishments, which have turned the tables from a time when he was chasing marquee fights to now being the target for top contenders.

Terence Crawford’s decision to remain retired signals that any clash with Garcia or other top fighters, including the likes of Jaron Ennis or Janibek Alimkhanuly, is unlikely.

Crawford’s career dominance

Since turning professional, Crawford has captured multiple world titles across weight classes, cementing his legacy as one of boxing’s modern greats. His victory over Canelo only elevated his status, proving he can compete, and win, against elite opponents on the biggest stages, while Canelo Alvarez’s September comeback faces uncertainty in the background.

Future of Ryan Garcia

With Crawford unavailable, attention shifts to Garcia’s next potential matchup. Reports suggest that Garcia could face Teofimo Lopez in July, offering the young champion a chance to continue building his resume while fans wait for other blockbuster opportunities in the welterweight division.

Last year, Terence Crawford defeated Canelo Alvarez by unanimous decision. They were scheduled for a rematch in September, yet the American unexpectedly announced his retirement, leaving Saul without an opponent.

With Crawford out of the picture, Canelo must now find a new challenger. Three options are on the table, each representing a completely different type of challenge.

Canelo Alvarez linked to three potential rivals for September bout

With Terence Crawford hanging up the gloves, Canelo Alvarez’s team has been searching for a suitable rival for the Mexican star. Three names are under consideration, and each offers a distinct test.

The first option is David Benavidez. He has repeatedly called out Alvarez for a bout, though the Mexican has not yet shown significant interest in facing him.

The second option is Christian Mbilli, who was upgraded to full WBC champion after retaining his title following a draw against Lester Martinez in their high-stakes 2025 clash.

The final option is Lester Martinez himself. Many believe Martinez’s performance in the draw against Mbilli proved he is a rightful contender, and the Guatemalan fighter has expressed his readiness to challenge the Mexican star at any time.

Crawford officially retired in December, closing the door on one of the most accomplished careers of the modern era. A five-division world champion and three-time undisputed titleholder, he exited boxing at the top, leaving little doubt about his legacy.

His final bout came last September in Las Vegas, where Crawford moved up to super middleweight and defeated Canelo Alvarez to claim all four major belts. However, by the time he announced his retirement, he no longer held the WBC title, having been stripped after declining to pay the organization’s sanctioning fee for the fight.

Why does Crawford disagree with the WBC’s decision?

Earlier this week, the WBC elevated Christian M’Billi from interim champion to full titleholder. The move did not sit well with Crawford, who took to social media to voice his opinion on who he believes truly deserves the belt. “Give my bro Lester a title shot, because he should be champion right now,” Crawford wrote, making it clear he feels Lester Martinez was overlooked.

The controversy behind the claim

Martinez and M’Billi faced each other on the undercard of the Crawford–Alvarez fight in September, with the WBC interim title on the line. That bout ended in a highly debated split-decision draw, leaving many observers divided over the outcome.

Despite not being crowned champion, Martinez remains highly ranked by the WBC. If the organization opts for a rematch or mandatory defense, Crawford’s stance could gain relevance, especially given the unresolved nature of that first encounter.

As Crawford settles into retirement, his voice still carries weight. Whether the WBC responds or not, his comments have reignited debate over a division that remains unsettled at the very top.

In September, Crawford added another historic achievement by defeating Canelo Alvarez to capture the super middleweight championship, a victory that further cemented his legacy. The win came after Crawford moved up significantly in weight, silencing doubts about whether the size difference would prove decisive.

Despite the magnitude of that triumph, Crawford has now revealed that Canelo was not the toughest challenge he faced during his career. Instead, the Nebraska native pointed to a much earlier fight as the most difficult night he ever endured inside the ring.

Crawford’s toughest opponent

Speaking during a recent livestream appearance with Adin Ross, Crawford was asked directly whether Canelo Alvarez represented the hardest opponent of his career. His response was immediate and definitive. “No,” Crawford said. “Gamboa was the hardest person I ever fought — and that was at 135 pounds.”

Crawford was referring to his 2014 title defense against Yuriorkis Gamboa, a former Olympic gold medalist and one of the most explosive fighters of his era. The bout took place shortly after Crawford won the WBO lightweight title, and early rounds saw Gamboa’s speed and power give Crawford significant problems.

Crawford shuts down Mayweather comeback speculation

Since announcing his retirement, speculation has persisted about whether Crawford could return for a blockbuster bout, particularly against Floyd Mayweather.

However, Crawford has made it clear that such a scenario is not under consideration.“Nah, man. I wouldn’t fight him,” Crawford said. “Floyd is old, man. Floyd is done.”

On Wednesday, Terence Crawford stunned the boxing world by announcing his retirement. The decision came as a major surprise, especially considering reports that Crawford had agreed to a multi-fight deal with Canelo Alvarez after defeating him last September.

With Terence Crawford out of the picture, Saul Alvarez must now identify a new opponent for the first half of 2026—and Jake Paul suddenly emerges as a realistic option.

Jake Paul finds fresh motivation ahead of Anthony Joshua clash

Before any potential showdown with Canelo, Jake Paul faces the biggest test of his boxing career. The YouTuber-turned-boxer is set to take on Anthony Joshua this Friday, a fight that could reshape his standing in the sport.

A victory over Joshua would dramatically elevate Paul’s credibility, positioning him as a legitimate contender rather than a novelty act. Such a result could also strengthen his case to finally lure Alvarez into the ring.

Throughout their long-running feud, Canelo has repeatedly dismissed Paul as unworthy of sharing the ring with him. However, with Crawford retired and Paul on the verge of a career-defining opportunity, that stance may soon change.

Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua weigh-in results

On Thursday, Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua officially weighed in for their highly anticipated bout. The physical disparity between the two fighters was evident, with Joshua holding a significant edge in size and reach.

Final measurements:

• Jake Paul: 6’1″, 216.6 lbs, 76-inch reach
• Anthony Joshua: 6’6″, 243.4 lbs, 82-inch reach

For Paul, the hype is both thrilling and validating. “This fight is crazy,” he admitted, acknowledging Crawford’s astonishment, “It’s two of America’s biggest names in boxing, and it’s a matchup that’s 50–50 because of his skill and his experience, but my size is the equalizer.”

Crawford had earlier expressed incredulity at the fight, calling it “crazy” and almost impossible to believe. His comments quickly circulated among fans and media, prompting a measured yet confident response from Paul.

A legitimate test, not just a spectacle

For Paul, the Davis fight is far more than a sideshow. “That’s what makes this amazing. We don’t know what’s going to happen,” he said, highlighting the unpredictability and competitive nature of the matchup.

When asked if he’d ever face Terence Crawford himself, Paul didn’t hesitate: “I would for sure fight Terence. Let’s run it.” The statement underscores Paul’s growing confidence and seriousness about his boxing career.

Focus remains on Davis

Despite the attention Crawford’s comments and potential future matchups have generated, Paul is keeping his eye firmly on the immediate challenge. “I think the Canelo fight is still a massive one between him and I, but right now I’m focused on November 14th and getting through Tank first,” he said.

Whether seen as a spectacle or a genuine boxing contest, Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about matchups of the year — and Crawford’s disbelief only adds to the anticipation.

While both fighters have publicly downplayed the chances of meeting in the ring, former world champion Tim Bradley offered a compelling analysis on what such a matchup could look like. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Bradley didn’t hesitate to break down the potential challenges for Crawford.

Bradley highlighted that Benavidez’s size and power would be a serious test for Crawford. “You have the skillset of Crawford and everything else he brings, but these guys have skills too and they’re bigger than him. That’s difficult. Canelo was the perfect size and style for Crawford, but when you start fighting giants like Benavidez who bring the size, volume, stamina, determination to win, the skill along with that,” he explained.

How Bradley sees the fight playing out

Bradley emphasized that Benavidez, currently the WBC light heavyweight champion, would bring both skill and physicality. “Benavidez is willing to walk through the fire to get his way in a fight, making him dangerous,” Bradley said.

He ultimately suggested the fight could be highly competitive, estimating a near-even matchup: “That’s a hell of a match-up. 60-40 either way, 55-45, 50-50, whatever you want to call it, but you never want to count out Terence Crawford, he’s that damn good.”

What’s next for Crawford?

Despite the buzz, Crawford’s coach recently hinted that the superstar might not return to the ring without a massive payday. Analyst Bernie Davis suggested that Crawford could hold out unless offered upwards of $100 million — a sum unlikely outside of another mega-fight scenario like his recent bout with Canelo. For now, the boxing world waits to see whether Crawford will seek another high-profile showdown or take a step back after cementing his legacy.

Among the names immediately thrown into the mix was David Benavidez, the undefeated power puncher who for years had pursued Canelo without success. Yet, while fans and promoters began dreaming of Crawford-Benavidez as the next mega-fight, the Arizona native made his stance crystal clear — it’s not happening.

It all started when Turki Alalshikh, the Saudi boxing powerbroker behind the Canelo-Crawford fight, hinted at his next dream matchup. “Can David Benavidez still make 168 pounds?” he posted on X (formerly Twitter), a message that quickly went viral and reignited a debate over Benavidez’s future.

Why David Benavidez won’t step into the ring with Crawford

During an October 6 interview with Fight Hub TV, Benavidez addressed the growing speculation and explained why a fight with Crawford is off the table — for good.

“I’m done with [super middleweight],” Benavidez said. “I want to take this opportunity to congratulate Crawford. He put on a hell of a performance. He’s up there with the Mount Rushmore of the greatest fighters of all time. Let Crawford do his thing, bro. At the end of the day, I have no interest in fighting Crawford. I have no interest in fighting at 168.”

The WBA light heavyweight champion — who currently fights at 174 pounds — was unequivocal about his priorities. “I wouldn’t even go to 168 for Canelo,” he added. “Let Crawford have his thing. He’s a great fighter. I’m done at 168.”

Even $120 million wouldn’t change his mind

When pressed about the possibility of fighting Crawford for a massive payday, Benavidez didn’t flinch. Asked whether he would consider dropping down to 168 pounds for $120 million, he dismissed the idea.

“I mean, $120 million sounds good,” he admitted. “But honestly, at the end of the day, no. They won’t give $120 million. I don’t think Canelo got $120 million to fight Crawford. No, man. I’m done at 168. They can throw whatever money they want at me.”

It’s a firm statement from a fighter known for his power, discipline, and self-belief. While boxing fans may still dream of a Crawford-Benavidez showdown, the “Mexican Monster” has made it clear — his time at super middleweight is over, and no amount of money will change that.

Fans and pundits alike were surprised by Canelo’s performance, as many expected the seasoned champion to dominate. Instead, Crawford’s tactical approach exposed gaps in strategy and execution, leading to one of the most scrutinized fights of Canelo’s career.

Among those sharing sharp insights is Juan Manuel Marquez, a former world champion and one of boxing’s most respected tacticians. Marquez knows what it takes to overcome elite opponents, and he was candid in assessing Canelo’s shortcomings.

What did Marquez see in Canelo’s performance?

Reflecting on the fight, Marquez told Izquierdazo, “Canelo Alvarez lacked strategy, he lacked a corner, so to speak. He needed a bit more guidance, something like: ‘Don’t just throw power shots, throw combinations. Crawford is hitting you—counterpunch too, you know how to do it well.’”

He continued, “And Canelo does counterpunch well, so in that sense he needed a bit more strategy, a proper game plan. Maybe they were overconfident that weight would be a deciding factor, that power punches alone would do the job. But the strategy was missing.”

Marquez’s critique highlights that despite Canelo’s natural power and experience, boxing at the highest level requires both preparation and adaptability. The fight showcased how a lack of tactical adjustments can leave even the most accomplished fighters exposed.

Analysts and fans share the same concern

Other experts echoed Marquez’s observations, pointing to Canelo’s passivity during key moments of the bout. Analysts noted that relying solely on physical advantage and knockout power was insufficient against Crawford, who demonstrated skill, timing, and poise far beyond expectations.

For a fighter of Canelo’s caliber, these criticisms underline the importance of a cohesive game plan, strategic cornering, and in-fight adaptability—a combination that could define his future success against elite opponents.

Canelo (62-3-2, 39 KOs) recently suffered a unanimous decision loss to Terence Crawford in Las Vegas, relinquishing his Ring Magazine super middleweight title. The 35-year-old is now expected to return to the ring in the second or third quarter of 2026, once his rehabilitation is complete.

A statement from Canelo’s team confirmed the diagnosis: “Canelo has been diagnosed with loose bodies in his left elbow. After a thorough evaluation and medical consultation with his orthopedic surgeon, he is scheduled to undergo a left elbow arthroscopic procedure to remove the loose bodies.

Canelo’s team added: “Following the procedure, his orthopedic surgeon is recommending the use of a sling for a short period of time. His rehabilitation program is expected to allow a return to light training within 4 to 6 weeks. The prognosis is excellent, and Saúl is anticipated to make a full recovery and return to championship-level boxing.”

How this surgery affects Canelo’s schedule

This procedure marks the third surgery of Canelo’s professional career. He previously underwent right knee surgery in 2018 and a left wrist procedure in 2022. The upcoming elbow surgery will be performed by Dr. Steve Mora, a leading orthopedic surgeon.

The delay in Canelo’s return also pushes back the next fight in his four-fight deal with Riyadh Season, originally scheduled for February 2026. Despite the setback, the team remains confident in his recovery and ability to regain championship form in the months ahead.

Recovery outlook and next steps

Canelo’s medical team expects him to begin light training within four to six weeks, with a full return to competitive boxing likely in mid-2026. Fans and the boxing community have expressed widespread support for the superstar as he undergoes surgery and rehabilitation.

Canelo remains The Ring’s No. 1 super middleweight, and his focus now turns to a complete recovery and regaining peak form for his next championship challenge.