Canelo Alvarez next fight: five potential opponents after Christian Mbilli win

Who could be next for Saul “Canelo” Alvarez?

The Mexican won the WBC super middleweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Christian Mbilli on Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. At times, it was vintage Alvarez, who repeatedly caught the aggressive Frenchman with sharp counters and buckled his legs on his way to reclaiming the famous green-and-gold belt he lost following his defeat to Terence Crawford last year.

Alvarez, 36, revealed little about his future when asked what might come next.

“I'm going to rest, I'll keep learning, a couple weeks off and then I'll come back,” he said.

With Alvarez once again holding a world title at 168lbs, there is no shortage of potential opponents. Here, BoxingScene takes a look at five fighters who could be next for the Mexican star.

Lester Martinez

Lester Martinez holds the WBC interim super middleweight title and, in theory, should be next in line for a shot at Alvarez – but that's not how boxing works.

Since his controversial draw with Mbilli last September, the Guatemalan has continued to build his following in California, attracting lively crowds for his victories over Immanuwel Aleem and Luka Plantic in 2026.

Martinez would present Alvarez with another aggressive, physically strong opponent, but the Mexican's convincing performance against Mbilli may have given him confidence that he could deal with Martinez's pressure.

Terence Crawford

Alvarez has unfinished business with Terence Crawford, the man who relieved him of his undisputed super middleweight championship in September 2025. The Mexican was denied the opportunity to avenge that defeat when Crawford announced his retirement, leaving Alvarez without the contractual rematch he had hoped.

Alvarez has made no secret of his desire to reverse the result, but persuading Crawford to return would likely require an enormous financial offer. The American has little left to prove after becoming a world champion in five weight divisions, and there is no indication that he intends to resume his career.

Nevertheless, Alvarez remains one of boxing's biggest financial attractions, and a rematch with Crawford would generate considerable interest. Whether that would be enough to tempt the retired champion back into the ring is another question.

Dmitry Bivol

Another defeat Alvarez has talked about avenging came against Dmitry Bivol in May 2022.

The Mexican moved up to light heavyweight in an attempt to claim Bivol's WBA title but was comprehensively outboxed over 12 rounds. Despite discussions about a rematch, the pair have yet to meet again.

Now, however, after two hard fights with Artur Beterbiev and Bivol’s troubles with injuries that have led to a lengthy spell on the sidelines, Alvarez may fancy his chances in a rematch that could earn him three of the four belts at light heavyweight.

Jake Paul

Unfortunately, Jake Paul cannot be ruled out. Alvarez was previously in discussions to face the YouTuber-turned-boxer before ultimately pursuing his showdown with Crawford. Reports at the time suggested that a date, location and other significant details had been agreed, only for the Mexican to change direction.

Paul has continued to express interest in facing Alvarez and wasted little time reigniting the conversation following Saturday's victory over Mbilli. “Out of the ring for 13 months but still the same old Canelo. Respect. Did take a lot of punches though. We will dance my friend, we will dance,” Paul wrote on social media.

Alvarez has previously entertained the possibility, and with Paul returning to the ring on later this year, it could be a lucrative option for Alvarez in 2027.

Hamzah Sheeraz

Of the five names on this list, Hamzah Sheeraz appears one of the more plausible options.

The Briton has developed a close relationship with Saudi boxing financier Turki Alalshikh, with whom Alvarez reportedly has one fight remaining on his agreement.

Sheeraz recently vacated his WBO super middleweight title after being ordered to defend it against mandatory challenger Janibek Alimkhanuly, a decision that raised questions about his next move.

A lucrative showdown with Alvarez would certainly help explain why Sheeraz might choose to relinquish his championship rather than fulfil the mandatory obligation. Sheeraz was also in attendance in Riyadh on Saturday.