The Future of Canelo Alvarez: A Critical Look at His Upcoming Fights

Recently, Turki Al-Sheikh, the prominent Saudi Arabian sports authority, announced a bold new four-fight deal involving boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez. The most immediate bout scheduled within this framework is a face-off against Terence Crawford in September, taking place in Las Vegas. However, the remainder of the schedule is notably ambiguous, with three additional dates yet to have assigned opponents. This uncertainty raises questions regarding the direction and viability of Canelo’s career, as well as the impact of his potential opponents on the landscape of boxing.

Questions Surrounding Crawford’s Suitability

Canelo’s match against Crawford has drawn scrutiny, especially considering the contrasting trajectories of the two fighters. Crawford, at 38 years old, is stepping up to a weight class where he has limited experience against seasoned opponents. Many boxing enthusiasts are skeptical about Crawford’s ability to compete effectively with Alvarez, traditionally a powerhouse in lighter weight divisions. The thought of matching Crawford against aggressive fighters like David Benavidez is troubling, to say the least. This raises the concern that such a pairing risks a one-sided defeat for Crawford, undermining the legitimacy of the event.

Evaluating Turki Al-Sheikh’s Strategy

If I were supporting Al-Sheikh’s strategy, I might reconsider including Crawford in Canelo’s fight roster altogether. Instead, pivoting toward emerging fighters in Canelo’s weight class or even heavier divisions could inject new excitement into the series. Young talent brings unpredictability and energy, both of which are vital for revitalizing interest in boxing, particularly when star matchups begin to feel stale or contrived. The boxing world is ready for fresh challenges, as Canelo himself has hinted at a desire to cement his legacy further.

Anticipation builds around Dmitry Bivol potentially emerging as one of the four challengers if he secures a victory against Artur Beterbiev. Notably, Bivol’s previous victory over Canelo adds layers of intrigue to this proposition; fans would likely embrace a rematch. Eddie Hearn, Canelo’s promoter, has expressed intentions for a Bivol rematch, should Bivol claim the undisputed championship. This potential bout could significantly amplify the global interest in the four-fight series, reinstating Canelo’s credibility after a series of lukewarm matches.

Al-Sheikh has branded Canelo’s prospective May matchup in Riyadh as possibly the “biggest fight in the history of boxing.” However, such claims stretch credibility, particularly when considering the context of Canelo vs. Crawford. Critics vocally argue that Canelo’s call for a legendary fight with an aging Crawford is more of a financial maneuver than a true competitive event. The excitement historically associated with a Canelo fight is at risk of being diluted unless the series includes genuinely challenging opponents.

Ultimately, Canelo Alvarez stands at a vital crossroads in his boxing career, with potential matchups that carry significant implications for his legacy and the sport itself. The next series of fights will undoubtedly be closely scrutinized, making it essential that the chosen opponents not only complement Alvarez’s status but also elevate the sport, providing fans with the high-caliber action that boxing deserves.

Boxing

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