What’s Next For Canelo After The Crawford Loss?

One of the options for Canelo is a rematch with Dmitry Bivol. Bivol handed Canelo his first professional loss in nearly a decade back in 2022, a defeat at 175 pounds that Canelo failed to avenge. Going back up in weight to face Bivol would be a statement of intent. After his controversial draw with Gennady Golovkin in their first fight, Canelo immediately agreed to a rematch and won a majority decision. 

Another high-stakes option is a showdown with David Benavidez. The public demand for this fight has been building for years, as Benavidez was the mandatory challenger and a top contender at 168 pounds. If he were to win, it would silence a significant portion of his critics who have long accused him of avoiding the toughest test.

While the Bivol and Benavidez fights are the most compelling, there’s always the possibility that Canelo will choose a less risky path, or even retire. With his estimated net worth soaring to over $450 million after the Crawford fight, he has no financial reason to continue taking damage. He could choose to take a tune-up fight against a lesser-known opponent to get back to winning ways. However, given his age and the physical toll of his recent fights, retirement is a very real possibility. Alvarez has spoken out since the loss.