Five Fighters Who Could Face Canelo Alvarez After His Win Over Christian Mbilli
Canelo Alvarez’s victory over Christian Mbilli puts the Mexican star back in possession of the WBC super middleweight title—and gives him several possible routes for his next fight. His sharp counters and ability to blunt Mbilli’s pressure recalled some of Alvarez’s best work, though he offered little about what comes next.
“I'm going to rest, I'll keep learning, a couple weeks off and then I'll come back,” Alvarez said after Saturday’s unanimous decision in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. At 36, he can choose between a title defense at 168 pounds, a long-sought rematch, or a more commercial matchup. These five names stand out, though the boxing calendar rarely follows a straightforward ranking.
Lester Martinez: the titleholder in waiting
Lester Martinez holds the WBC interim super middleweight belt, which makes him a logical contender for Alvarez. That status doesn’t guarantee the matchup, but the Guatemalan has been building a following in California since his controversial draw with Mbilli last September.
His 2026 wins over Immanuwel Aleem and Luka Plantic have kept him busy and visible. Martinez brings strength and forward pressure, a style that resembles Mbilli’s. Alvarez’s success against Mbilli could make him more willing to take that kind of fight.
Terence Crawford: the rematch that may not happen
Alvarez has made clear that he wants to avenge his September 2025 loss to Terence Crawford, who took his undisputed super middleweight championship. But Crawford announced his retirement before Alvarez could secure the rematch he wanted.
A return would likely require a major financial offer, and Crawford has little left to prove after becoming a world champion in five weight divisions. The commercial pull of an Alvarez rematch is obvious; whether it can bring Crawford back is far less certain.
Dmitry Bivol: another old score
Dmitry Bivol handed Alvarez a clear defeat in May 2022, outboxing him across 12 rounds after Alvarez moved up to challenge for Bivol’s WBA light heavyweight title. Rematch discussions followed, but the two haven’t met again.
The timing could now look different. Bivol has spent a lengthy spell sidelined by injuries, while his two hard fights with Artur Beterbiev have added to the wear of his recent career. Alvarez could see an opening in a rematch that might put three of the four light heavyweight belts within reach.
Jake Paul: a commercial possibility
Jake Paul has already been in discussions with Alvarez. Reports at the time said the sides had settled a date, location and other key details before Alvarez changed course and pursued the Crawford fight.
Paul renewed the call after Alvarez beat Mbilli, writing on social media: “Out of the ring for 13 months but still the same old Canelo. Respect. Did take a lot of punches though. We will dance my friend, we will dance.” Alvarez has previously entertained the idea. With Paul due to return to the ring later this year, a 2027 matchup could offer Alvarez a lucrative option.
Hamzah Sheeraz: a plausible path at 168
Hamzah Sheeraz may be among the more practical choices. The British boxer has a close relationship with Saudi boxing financier Turki Alalshikh, and Alvarez reportedly has one fight remaining on his agreement with Alalshikh.
Sheeraz recently vacated his WBO super middleweight title after being ordered to face mandatory challenger Janibek Alimkhanuly. A high-profile Alvarez fight would help explain why he gave up the belt rather than take that defense. Sheeraz was also in Riyadh for the Mbilli bout.
Alvarez hasn’t committed to a date or opponent. His next choice will show whether reclaiming a belt points him toward a conventional title defense, a rematch years in the making, or a fight built around its commercial reach.
