Canelo Alvarez lost the super-middleweight marbles back in September, but the Mexican superstar is eager to win them back when he returns later this year.
Alvarez’s reign was brought to an end by Terence Crawford seven months ago, only for ‘Bud’ to retire soon after and leave the titles fragmented, making the road to becoming a three-time undisputed champion an arduous one for Canelo.
Returning in September, it is expected that the 35-year-old will bounce straight back into a title challenge upon his return, with the WBC route being the most likely target in his comeback fight; where Christian Mbilli now holds the world title.
Meanwhile, the WBA have installed Jose Armando Resendiz as their new super-middleweight titleholder, following his interim title win over Caleb Plant last May. However, the Mexican is scheduled to face countryman and former Canelo opponent, Jaime Munguia, on Saturday, May 2. Last week, Osleys Iglesias picked up the vacant IBF belt.
Finally, the WBO has ordered a vacant title contest between Hamzah Sheeraz and Alem Begic in the co-main event of the Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven bill next month.
Canelo remains ranked as the number one contender for the WBO title and, in an interview with The Ring, Sheeraz said that he would relish the opportunity to face the four-division world champion in the near future.
“That fight there, if that fight ever happens, that is down to His Excellency [Turki Al-Alshikh]. If he wants it to happen, it will happen. I would love to share the ring with a great in Canelo and if it happens, it happens.”
Therefore, should an issue arise with his planned WBC title challenge, Canelo could instead opt to pursue a clash with the victor of Sheeraz-Begic later this year, as he attempts an immediate return to the 168lb throne. If he fights and beats Mbilli – no simple task – the prospect of a unification will be there waiting.
