Canelo Alvarez is the primary target of an unbeaten super-middleweight contender, whose latest triumph has placed him in pole position for a world title opportunity.
Alvarez, meanwhile, has not fought since his unanimous decision defeat to Terence Crawford last September, when he lost his undisputed crown in convincing fashion.
The Mexican had become a two-time undisputed king at 168lbs earlier last year, albeit with a lacklustre display to marginally outpoint the unremarkable but elusive William Scull.
Based largely on that performance, though, many questioned whether Canelo possessed sufficient enough foot speed and explosiveness to retain his four major titles against Crawford.
As it turned out, the 35-year-old was unable to nullify his opponent’s superior movement, causing him to lose for the first time since facing Dmitry Bivol in 2022.
But despite that, Canelo looks set to secure another world title opportunity this September, with Turki Alalshikh expecting announcing he will headline a show in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Many suspect that this could be against Christian Mbilli, the WBC super-middleweight champion, but should that not come off, ProBox TV promoter Garry Jonas hopes to see Alvarez face Lester Martinez.
Speaking with ESNEWS, Jonas admitted the decision ultimately lies with Canelo, who he believes would make for an ‘amazing’ fight with the WBC ‘interim’ champion.
“I think it would be an amazing fight. I think it’s up to Canelo. Canelo’s at a point in his career where he fights who he wants, so we can only hope [he fights Martinez].”
Martinez secured his ‘interim’ title at 168lbs last Saturday, outpointing Immanuwel Aleem in his first outing since boxing to a thrilling 10-round draw with Mbilli.
In doing so, the Guatemalan became the first fighter from his nation to claim a belt of such significance, putting him in line for a potential rematch with Mbilli.
