Perhaps the only downside to being an undisputed champion with four belts is that you have to accommodate four mandatory challengers. However, when you possess the star power of super middleweight king Canelo Alvarez, you can still do things at your own pace.
On May 4, Canelo (60-2-2, 39 KOs) will face his undefeated compatriot Jaime Munguía at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Despite Munguía’s 43-0 record and his status as a former super welterweight champion, he has established himself as a big underdog.
“It’s about making history,” Canelo offered at the official press conference in which the fight was announced. “I want my legacy to be about putting on the best fights possible. That’s what I want to continue doing: defending my belt and bringing the best fights to the fans.”
LOOK: Canelo Alvarez vs. Jaime Munguía, live on DAZN
While Munguía is undoubtedly a world-class operator, he was not fans’ first choice as Canelo’s opponent. Several dangerous 168-pound fighters are fighting to dethrone the so-called face of boxing. How many of them will have the opportunity?
The Jugo Mobile looks at five potential opponents for Canelo, should he beat Munguía on May 4.
Will Canelo fight David Benavidez?
- Age: 27
- State: 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 already had a trilogy, but we still haven’t seen them in the ring even once. Don’t expect that to change anytime soon.
Almost out of patience, Benavidez is moving up to light heavyweight to face former WBC champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk. If achieved, “El Monstruo Mexicano” will face the winner of Beterbiev-Bivol. However, he has left the door open to return to 168.
In a recent interview, Canelo stated that he is not obligated to fight Benavidez. “You know, I fought any fighter, so I can do whatever I want right now,” 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 what I want.”
Right now, the champion doesn’t want Benavidez.
Probability: 1/5
Will Canelo fight Edgar Berlanga?
- Age: 26
- State: WBA No. 1 Challenger
- Record: 22-0 (17 KO)
This is an interesting one. Berlanga began his career with sixteen consecutive first-round knockouts. That type of race draws the attention of any fighter, so the excitement levels were high.
However, after five years as a professional, Berlanga needed a step forward. Suddenly, the knockouts stopped. The Puerto Rican star ran the full distance on five occasions and more than one of those fights was very competitive. He was also eliminated for the first time in his career by former world title challenger Marcelo Cóceres.
In his most recent outing, Berlanga showed improvement and returned to the knockout column by dispatching Padraig McCrory in six.
He is on the hunt for a fight with Canelo, and if the Mexican superstar renews his ties with Matchroom Boxing, which Berlanga promotes, and DAZN, then this fight is a real possibility.
Probability: 3/5
Will Canelo fight David Morrell?
- Age: 26
- State: Regular WBA Super Middleweight Champion
- Record: 10-0 (9 KOs)
If you look up “high risk, low reward” in the boxing dictionary, there’s probably a photo of David Morrell.
The regular WBA champion is a big, athletic, wonderfully creative southpaw with plenty of speed and power. He compiled a 130-2 record in the amateur ranks and has advanced rapidly since he turned professional in 2019.
The announcement of a fight is imminent for Morrell, but the Cuban star is unlikely to appear in Canelo’s plans. While he is ready for a shot at the undisputed champion, demand for such a fight is lukewarm.
Given that Canelo is 33 years old, it’s unlikely that a young tiger like Morrell will be high on his “to-do” list.
Probability: 2/5
Will Canelo fight Christian Mbilli?
- Age: 28
- State: WBC No. 1 Challenger
- Record: 26-0 (22 KO)
You’ll find Mbilli in the same section as Morrell and for similar reasons. The Cameroon-born Frenchman is a strong, competent boxer and puncher with the power to turn out the lights.
Co-promoted by Eye of the Tiger Management and Top Rank, Mbilli has reached perfection. The improvements are evident every time he fights and he is 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 lead to delays in Mbilli getting the biggest payday of his career. However, he is well positioned in the WBC, so his team will force the issue in his name.
Keep an eye out for Mbilli: he’s real.
Probability: 2/5
Will Canelo fight Diego Pacheco?
- Age: 23
- State: WBO No. 2 contender
- Record: 21-0 (17 KO)
This is another fight that could come to fruition if Canelo finds himself back under the DAZN/Matchroom umbrella.
At 6-4, Pacheco is huge for the super middleweight pision and the young Californian can fight. He looked impressive in 2023, with three knockout wins in a row and momentum was gaining.
In his last outing, the young American scored a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Shawn McCalman. Pacheco didn’t look very good, but a competitive distance fight is a good thing at this point in his career.
He’s still developing, so Canelo could sign him now rather than later.
Probability: 3/5
