Canelo Alvarez has said he would only return to 175lbs for one fight, naming a potential opponent with whom he feels there is unfinished business.
The 35-year-old has not fought since losing his super-middleweight titles to Terence Crawford, who moved up two weight classes and claimed a unanimous decision victory last September.
‘Bud’ then announced his retirement several months later, enabling Christian Mbilli to be elevated from ‘interim’ to full WBC champion following his 10-round draw with Lester Martinez.
More significantly, though, the Frenchman has since landed himself a lucrative opportunity against Canelo, who looks to reclaim one of his world titles in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on September 12.
If he dethrones Mbilli then the Mexican is likely to remain at 168lbs, perhaps with a view to unify the division against either Hamzah Sheeraz or Osleys Iglesias.
He could, however, be tempted by an opportunity at light-heavyweight, especially if it involves a rematch with current unified champion Dmitry Bivol.
The pair squared off in 2022, with Bivol claiming a comprehensive points victory while Canelo, aside from being undersized at the weight, appeared to struggle with the elite technician’s footwork.
Now, Alvarez has told Ring Magazine that he would happily face the 35-year-old in a bid to exact his revenge.
“If I go to 175[lbs], it’s to fight Bivol. Or maybe he [can] come down [to 168lbs].”
While their rematch could potentially materialise in the next year or so, Bivol must first end a 15-month layoff and defeat mandatory challenger Michael Eifert this Saturday.
Bivol is also being targeted by David Benavidez, who currently holds the WBC belt at 175. The undisputed contest may happen in the next twelve months.
Benavidez has also called out Canelo for a long-awaited showdown, though it appears the Mexican’s interest has not changed.