Canelo Alvarez could be confronted with a path of considerable resistance if he attempts to become a three-time undisputed champion at 168lbs.
The 35-year-old has not fought since last September, when he lost his four major super-middleweight titles following a unanimous decision defeat to Terence Crawford.
Based on his performance, though, the Mexican is still capable of competing at world level, just not against a generational great such as Crawford.
But still, Canelo is set to secure a world title shot for his next outing, which is expected to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on September 12.
Among the names being mooted as possible opponents is Christian Mbilli, who was elevated from ‘interim’ to full WBC champion shortly after Crawford’s retirement.
Prior to that, the Frenchman had boxed to an enthralling 10-round draw with Lester Martinez, featuring on the undercard of Canelo-Crawford.
As for the other champions at 168lbs, there is also Jose Armando Resendiz and Osleys Iglesias, while Hamzah Sheeraz bids to collect the vacant WBO world title on May 23.
Standing in his way is Alem Begic, who the 26-year-old must defeat on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven before targeting a showdown with Canelo.
Eventually, though, Sheeraz does see himself squaring off against the four-division world champion, telling Ring Magazine that he could use the WBO belt as a bargaining chip.
“I must admit, it would be nice to get Canelo. And, obviously, it would be far more lucrative if I win the world title before that.
“I am sure his plan is to try and become undisputed [champion] again so, God willing, I become world champion on May 23. I’ll be in the way of him becoming undisputed [champion].
“Maybe we will end up fighting for all the belts. I feel like that fight can definitely flourish in the future.”
For an undisputed clash between Canelo and Sheeraz to materialise, the pair must respectively win their next outings and collectively dethrone the remaining champions in their division.
