Canelo Alvarez has been named as the top dog at super-middleweight, but has been told he must face the next generation of contenders in order to retain his status.
The 35-year-old reigned supreme at 168lbs for the best part of four years, before losing his undisputed crown to Terence Crawford in September 2025.
It was a legacy-defining performance that saw ‘Bud’ move up two weight classes and claim all four major belts, before ultimately hanging up his gloves.
But with Crawford now removed from the equation, many would regard Canelo as the division’s number one fighter, even though the Mexican is yet to reclaim any of his world titles.
That much could change this September, when he is set to headline in Saudi Arabia, while the current world super-middleweight champions include Christian Mbilli, Osleys Iglesias and Jose Armando Resendiz.
Hamzah Sheeraz, meanwhile, is scheduled to face Alem Begic for the vacant WBO world title on May 23, featuring on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven.
Sheeraz has not fought since last July, when he secured a fifth-round finish over Edgar Berlanga, but the 26-year-old is now on the cusp of becoming a world champion in only his second outing at super-middleweight.
Acknowledging Canelo’s achievements, Sheeraz, who has yet to taste defeat and has 18 knockouts from his 22 victories, hopes to eventually prove himself against the four-division world champion, telling Inside the Ring that he is “gunning” for the opportunity.
“You could say he is [still No.1 at 168lbs], because of what he’s done.
“But, at the same time, you’ve got these young guns coming through, like myself, and I think it’s time for him to give us the opportunity against him to prove ourselves, and take over that No.1 spot.
“We’re all gunning for it, and hopefully I do get that opportunity one day.”
While Sheeraz represents a potential option, many believe that Canelo is more likely to face Mbilli, the WBC world champion, in his first fight since losing to Crawford.
