Perhaps the only downside of being an undisputed champion with four belts is that you have four mandatory challengers to accommodate. However, when you possess the star power of super middleweight king Canelo Alvarez, you still get away with doing things at your own pace.
On May 4, Canelo (60-2-2, 39 KOs) will take on unbeaten countryman Jaime Munguia at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Despite Munguia's 43-0 mark and status as a former super welterweight champion, he has been installed as a big underdog.
"This is all about making history," offered Canelo at the official press conference announcing the fight. "I want my legacy to be about making the greatest fights possible. That's what I want to continue doing: Defend my belt and bring the greatest fights to the fans."
WATCH:Canelo Alvarez vs. Jaime Munguia, live on DAZN
While Munguia is undoubtedly a world-class operator, he was not the fans' top choice for a Canelo opponent. Several dangerous fighters at 168 pounds are straining at the leash to dethrone the so-called face of boxing. How many of them will get the opportunity?
The Sporting News looks at five possible opponents for Canelo, should he come through against Munguia on May 4.
Will Canelo fight David Benavidez?
- Age: 27
- Status: Interim WBC super middleweight champion
- Record: 28-0 (24 KOs)
Yeah, I know, this one got old a long time ago, right?
Canelo and Benavidez could have had a trilogy by now, but we still haven't seen them in the ring once. Don't expect that to change anytime soon.
Almost out of patience, Benavidez is moving up to light heavyweight for a showdown with former WBC champ Oleksandr Gvozdyk. Should he come through, "The Mexican Monster" will be in line to face the Beterbiev-Bivol winner. However, he has left the door open for a return to 168.
In a recent interview, Canelo stated that he is not obligated to fight Benavidez. "You know, I fought with any fighter, so I can do whatever I want at this time," Canelo told BoxingScene. "I deserve it because I did everything in my career and I deserve to be in this position. I'm going to do whatever I want."
Right now, the champ doesn't want Benavidez.
Likelihood: 1/5
Will Canelo fight Edgar Berlanga?
- Age: 26
- Status: WBA No. 1 challenger
- Record: 22-0 (17 KOs)
This is an interesting one. Berlanga began his career with sixteen straight first-round knockouts on the bounce. That kind of run will get any fighter noticed, so excitement levels were high.
However, after five years as a professional, Berlanga required a step up in class. Suddenly, the knockouts stopped. The Puerto Rican star was taken the full distance on five occasions and more than one of those bouts was very competitive. He was also dropped for the first time in his career, by former world title challenger Marcelo Coceres.
In his most recent outing, Berlanga showed improvement and got back in the knockout column by dispatching Padraig McCrory in six.
He's on the hunt for a Canelo fight, and if the Mexican superstar renews ties with Matchroom Boxing— who promotes Berlanga— and DAZN, then this fight is a real possibility.
Likelihood: 3/5
MORE: SN's Top 12 best super middleweight boxers
Will Canelo fight David Morrell?
- Age: 26
- Status: WBA regular super middleweight champion
- Record: 10-0 (9 KOs)
If you look up "high risk, low reward" in the boxing dictionary, there's likely to be a photograph of David Morrell.
The WBA regular champ is a big, athletic, wonderfully creative lefty with plenty of speed and power. He posted a record of 130-2 in the amateur ranks and has been fast-tracked since turning professional in 2019.
A fight announcement is imminent for Morrell, but the Cuban star is unlikely to feature in Canelo's plans. While he's ready for a shot at the undisputed champ, the demand for such a fight is lukewarm.
With Canelo being 33 years of age, a young tiger like Morrell is unlikely to feature high on his "To-Do" list.
Likelihood: 2/5
Will Canelo fight Christian Mbilli?
- Age: 28
- Status: WBC No. 1 challenger
- Record: 26-0 (22 KOs)
You'll find Mbilli in the same section as Morrell and for similar reasons. The Cameroon-born Frenchman is a strong, proficient boxer-puncher with the power to turn out the lights.
Co-promoted by Eye of the Tiger Management and Top Rank, Mbilli has been brought along just right. The improvements are clear to see each time he fights and he's ready for a world title fight right now.
Unfortunately, Canelo's current team (PBC) is not in the habit of doing business with Top Rank, which will likely throw up delays in Mbilli securing a career-high payday. However, he's well-positioned with the WBC, so his team will force the issue on his behalf.
Keep an eye out for Mbilli –— he's for real.
Likelihood: 2/5
MORE: SN's Top 12 best pound for pound boxers
Will Canelo fight Diego Pacheco?
- Age: 23
- Status: WBO No. 2 contender
- Record: 21-0 (17 KOs)
This is another fight that could come to fruition if Canelo finds himself back under the DAZN/ Matchroom umbrella.
At 6-4, Pacheco is enormous for the super middleweight division and the young Californian can fight. He looked impressive in 2023, with three knockout wins in succession and momentum was building.
In his latest outing, the young American scored a 10-round unanimous decision over the previously unbeaten Shawn McCalman. Pacheco didn't look great but a competitive distance fight is a good thing at this point of his career.
He's still developing, so Canelo might take him now rather than later.
Likelihood: 3/5
