Canelo Alvarez is set to secure a world title shot later this year, but may soon be ordered to face an unbeaten contender who believes he has the Mexican’s number.
Canelo has not fought since last September, when he lost his undisputed crown via a unanimous decision defeat to Terence Crawford.
Since then, however, boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh has promised a world title fight for the Mexican superstar in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on September 12.
While an opponent is yet to be confirmed, it has been widely suspected that WBC super-middleweight champion Christian Mbilli is likely to emerge as an appropriate dance partner.
The Frenchman was elevated from ‘interim’ to full world champion following his enthralling 10-round draw with Lester Martinez, which featured on the undercard of Canelo-Crawford.
But while Mbilli could certainly face Canelo in his next outing, the winner of their potential fight will likely be ordered to defend his WBC title against Martinez.
The 30-year-old claimed Mbilli’s old ‘interim’ belt on Saturday, producing a measured display to unanimously outpoint Immanuwel Aleem.
Speaking through a translator during his post-fight press conference, Martinez insisted he has the beating of Canelo, a five-division world champion but who ultimately looks past his best.
“Not only do I believe that I can compete; I believe I can actually win. And we have to win.
“With my team behind me, I feel like I’m ready to not just compete with Canelo Alvarez – not just be present – but definitely win the fight.”
Martinez’s trainer, Brian ‘BoMac’ McIntyre, was in Crawford’s corner when he became a three-division undisputed champion against Canelo, who may wish to get one over the ‘BoMac’ camp and eventually face the Guatemalan.
