“I don’t want to take an easy fight and come back,” Canelo said. “I want to go straight and fight champions.” He emphasized a desire for an opponent who actually fights back, aiming for a competitive scrap instead of a low-risk payday to burn off ring rust.
This shift in tone follows a rough patch. The Crawford loss stripped away his aura of invincibility at 168 pounds, and the subsequent surgery left fans wondering what he had left in the tank. By publicly rejecting the idea of a tune-up, Alvarez is putting himself in a corner where only a top-level name will do.
The rumor mill is already spinning with names that fit that description. Christian Mbilli provides a relentless work rate, while Hamzah Sheeraz brings a physical frame that can give anyone trouble. Diego Pacheco and Chris Eubank Jr. are also in the mix, each bringing a different set of problems for the veteran.
Of course, the boxing world remains cynical. Fans have watched Canelo pass certain challenges over the last few years, and many are already rolling their eyes. For most, the only way Canelo proves he’s serious is by finally stepping in with David Benavidez. Anything less, like a repeat of the Edgar Berlanga style of matchmaking, is likely to be met with a chorus of “I told you so.”
By narrowing the field down to “champions”, Alvarez has raised the bar for his return on September 12, 2026 in Riyadh. There is no more room for an easier option without taking a massive hit to his reputation. This comeback is being sold as a legitimate test, and the boxing world will see if he lives up to its own standard.
