'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Canelo Alvarez recently etched his name in the history books. The Mexican became his country's first ever undisputed boxing champion by knocking out Caleb Plant. He also became the first ever undisputed super middleweight champion in the division's 37-year existence.
The 31-year-old brought his A-game against Plant and realized his vision upon the world stage.The build-up to Canelo's proving-ground fight was heated as both he and Plant went in on each other. Their super-middleweight unification battle proved just as intense.
Plant ended up enduring the first loss of his professional boxing career at the hands of Alvarez. Even though 'Sweethands' was knocked out by Canelo in the 11th round, he brought the fight to the Mexican and stayed in his face for most of the bout.
'While Plant fell short of getting the win, he went out on his shield. He also earned a lot of respect in the process. With another boxer added to this already star-studded resume, Canelo Alvarez is seeking his next challenge.
Although nothing has been decided yet, it is clear that the Mexican likes to stay active. As Canelo hunts another opponent, we take a look at the 5 most likely names to win the pending Alvarez sweepstakes.
#5. David Benavidez
David Benavidez is regarded as the top current super middleweight challenge for Canelo Alvarez. Benavidez is currently undefeated in 24 fights and has won 21 of them by knockout. He became the WBC super-middleweight champion in 2017 at just 20 years-old. Benavidez was stripped of his belt, however, for failing to make weight in a scheduled 2020 title defense.
Nevertheless, Benavidez made his debut at just 16 years old. He previously held the record of being the youngest super-middleweight champion when he won the title in 2017. With his impressive early accolades and knockout power, the former WBC 168-lb contender might be next in line to face the newly crowned undisputed champion.
However, this could all go away if he loses to his next opponent. Benavidez is currently scheduled to fight Kyrone Davis on November 13th. If Benavidez is able to get past Davis, you can certainly expect a call out for Canelo Alvarez from the 24-year-old.
#4. Jermall Charlo
Jermall Charlo has been looking to get his hands on Canelo Alvarez for a while now. He has constantly called the Mexican out but is yet to get a response. Charlo even publicly announced he wants the winner of Canelo vs. Plant.
Jermall Charlo is currently ranked as the number two fighter in the middleweight division, and is ready to move up in weight to make the mega fight happen with Canelo Alvarez.
Charlo has a longer reach than Alvarez. Boxers with a longer reach have troubled Canelo with their jabs in the past. Caleb Plant tried to establish his jab in the early rounds but failed to build upon it. If and when they fight, Charlo will look to capitalize on his reach and reflexes to trouble the undisputed champion.
#3. Dmitry Bivol
Dmitry Bivol is the current WBA light-heavyweight champion. Holding the title since 2017, Bivol could very well be one of the tougher challenges for Canelo Alvarez. However, Bivol lacks the experience and resume to match the Mexican.
Bivol is undefeated in his professional career having fought only 18 fights. He is currently the second-ranked light-heavyweight in the world and is also a gifted technical fighter with an amazing work rate. However, the light-heavyweight champion is a bit flat-footed. This can turn proceedings into Canelo's favor, who can target Bivol's body.
Though Bivol is one of the toughest challenges facing Canelo Alvarez, the fight is highly unlikely when compared to others on the list. The newly crowned undisputed super-middleweight champion will probably look to continue his dominance by staying in the division for a while.
Yet, if Canelo Alvarez and Dmitry Bivol agree to square off, it will be an interesting test for the Mexican. Moving up in weight is nothing new for Canelo. The pound-for-pound king has been champion in four weight classes. However, Bivol will impose a much greater threat than the bigger guys Canelo has fought in the past.
#2. Artur Beterbiev
Canelo Alvarez has a potentially tough task in the form of Artur Beterbiev, who is the top-ranked light-heavyweight in the world. The WBC light-heavyweight champion has been on a steamroll ever since turning pro. Beterbiev remains undefeated in 16 bouts and interestingly, has won all of them via knockout.
Only one of his 16 fights has gone to the last round. Beterbiev is one of the most feared fighters because of his power and is certainly the most feared in his division.
Canelo Alvarez would have to take a massive risk if he decides to fight Artur Beterbiev. Not only will he have to move up in weight, but he will also have to prepare for Beterbiev's feared power. A potential bout between the duo would be a spectacle, to say the least.
Recently the president of WBC, Mauricio Sulaiman, talked about the possibility of this match. Sulaiman told Sky Sports:
"It would be a tremendous match. Beterbiev is undefeated, he is a heavy, heavy puncher. He would be a very strong threat to Canelo's legacy. But Canelo wants to keep going further and further so let's see."
#1. Gennady Golovkin
Arguably the best matchup in store for Canelo Alvarez is the trilogy with Gennady Golovkin. Prior fights between the two have received a lot of criticism, with the vast majority of people thinking GGG should've won the first fight. The second fight also spurred many arguments after Canelo's majority decision victory.
The fans are clearly not done with this rivalry. Canelo Alvarez should want to put the final pin on this unfinished chapter.
Alvarez vs. GGG III is a huge money fight that would attract audiences from all corners of the globe.
Whatever the future holds for Canelo Alvarez moving forward, fans can certainly expect to be entertained. With a potential list of opponents as competitive and intriguing as ever, the Mexican is at the center of the boxing world.
