“It will be a surprise,” Alalshikh said further X. “It’s going to be a BIG, big, big fight. Mexico against the world. This will be the first card for Canelo Promotions.”
The bout is scheduled for Mexican Independence Day weekend and will be the first event promoted under Alvarez’s own banner. No weight class or sanctioning body has been confirmed, although Alalshikh has indicated that the main event is expected to involve a world title.
Alvarez has not fought since his September 2025 loss to Terence Crawford. Crawford’s subsequent exit ended any chance of a rematch and left multiple ties at super middleweight unsettled, opening several possible routes for Alvarez’s return.
The brand “Mexico against the world” naturally fueled speculation about an international opponent. One name that continues to emerge is Hamzah Sheeraz, an up-and-coming contender from the United Kingdom who Alalshikh has previously praised as deserving of a big opportunity in 2026. His profile and timing align with the theme being promoted.
Chris Eubank Jr. has also been linked to Riyadh offseason discussions involving Alvarez. The bout would be marketable, although it would likely require movement outside of the traditional super middleweight title picture.
Other possibilities remain more speculative. David Benavidez continues to be mentioned around Alvarez’s future, although positioning him under a “world” banner would be a stretch of said theme. A revenge attempt against Dmitri Bivol has also been floated, although weight considerations complicate that path.
For now, the date and location are locked. The opponent is not. That uncertainty appears to be intentional.
