Canelo Alvarez Offered Title Shot By Rival

Benavidez Seizes the Leverage

For years, Benavidez was cast as Canelo’s mandatory challenger at 168, but the fight never materialized. Frustrated, the 28-year-old “Monster” moved up in weight, capturing the WBC interim title before being declared full champion when Dmitry Bivol vacated.

Now with a world title in hand and momentum on his side, Benavidez sees himself holding the cards:

“I wasn’t going to go down to 168, but now if Canelo wants to come up then come,” Benavidez said. “I got the WBC world title at 175. After I beat Bivol I’m going to have all the belts, so after that happens, now I’m the one that has the power. Canelo says he doesn’t fight for greatness, he fights for titles. Well let me go pick up all the titles and let’s come back to the table and talk.”

Benavidez is next scheduled to defend his crown against Britain’s heavy-handed Anthony Yarde (27-3, 24 KOs) on November 22 in Saudi Arabia.

Canelo’s Crossroads

Canelo, 35, is still under contract with Riyadh Season, owing three more fights on his blockbuster $400 million deal. Traditionally, he fights each May and September, and both 2026 slots are expected to be filled.

But the burning question remains: Who will he face?

The Mexican icon has options, but none come without risk. His list of potential opponents includes:

• David Benavidez — at 175 for a world title shot

• Chris Eubank Jr. — a high-profile but more manageable matchup

• Hamzah Sheeraz — the rising British star

• Osleys Iglesias (IBO champion) — a belt-holder, though not one of the “big four”

• Diego Pacheco — a young, fast-rising contender in Matchroom’s stable

• Rematches — either with Terence Crawford at 168 or Dmitry Bivol at 175

The Risk and Reward Equation

For Canelo, a fight with Benavidez at light heavyweight would be among the most dangerous choices. The size, power, and pressure Benavidez brings could create the type of stylistic clash that has troubled Canelo in the past.

At the same time, it may be the one opportunity that restores Canelo’s place in the pound-for-pound hierarchy defeating a younger, undefeated champion in a higher weight class.

With his undisputed reign at super middleweight gone, Alvarez now faces a decision that could either revitalize his career or hasten its decline.