With Canelo Alvarez having just reclaimed his WBC title, Carl Froch has considered who would be the favourite in a potential clash with Hamzah Sheeraz.
In his first outing since losing a unanimous decision to Terence Crawford in September 2025, Canelo dethroned Christian Mbilli via the same result last Saturday.
And while many expected him to do so, far less anticipated him winning in such dominant fashion against Mbilli, who was considered capable of posing problems with his relentless aggression.
Canelo, however, managed to control the majority of their contest with his superior technical and defensive nous, ultimately scoring a convincing victory.
In doing so, the Mexican reclaimed a quarter of his undisputed super-middleweight crown and proved that, even at the age of 36, he remains a world-class operator.
As for his next opponent, many have suggested Hamzah Sheeraz, who vacated his WBO title in September rather than face mandatory challenger Janibek Alimkhanuly.
Due to his role as a Riyadh Season ambassador, though, the 27-year-old could nonetheless be Turki Alalshikh’s preferred option as a Canelo opponent in 2027.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Hall of Famer Froch said Alvarez, even at this stage, should be considered a sizable favourite against Sheeraz.
“It kind of makes sense, because Canelo’s not going to see Hamzah Sheeraz as a massive threat. No disrespect to Sheeraz, but Canelo would probably be a big favourite going into that one.
“If Crawford stays retired, there’s really no one at super-middleweight that’s going to give Canelo a tough fight. So maybe that’s the one [against Sheeraz].”
Others would argue that Osleys Iglesias, the current IBF champion, would certainly give Canelo a “tough fight” and the chance to unify his division.
