Canelo Alvarez’s options for fights #1 and #3 have been revealed for his new four-fight contract between him and Riyadh Season. David Benavidez’s name isn’t among the four-fight options.
Of the options for fight #1 and #3, there’s one good name, Dmitry Bivol. He’s one good name, but he might make it on the list if he loses his rematch this month against undisputed light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev. Bivol is easily the best name.
It would be great if Beterbiev were added if he’s victorious against Dmitry in their rematch on February 22nd, but it’s unlikely that Canelo would agree to fight him.
Beterbiev is too much of a knockout threat, and Canelo would never agree to face someone like him. Bivol is fine because he can’t punch and retreats when pressured.
Former two-division world champion Jermall Charlo is one of the options for Canelo’s first fight of his four-fight contract on May 4th. The 35-year-old Jermall (33-0, 22 KOs) has fought just once in the last four years since 2021, and he’s currently been inactive since 2023.
Mike Coppinger of ESPN revealed this list:
Fight #1 Options for May 4th in Riyadh
- Jermall Charlo
- Bruno Surace
Fight #2 for September 13th in Las Vegas
– Terence Crawford – Confirmed
Fight #3 in February 2026 in Riyadh
- Dmitry Bivol
- Hamzah Sheeraz
- Chris Eubank Jr.
Fight #4 in October 2026 in Riyadh
– To be determined
Fans who were following the sport four years ago remember Charlo, and they might be interested if he’s picked as Canelo’s opponent for his first fight. However, he’s been so inactive that he’s no longer popular with fans. He wouldn’t a world title shot coming off a two-year layoff.
It wouldn’t be fair for Jermall to challenge for a world title to leapfrog contenders waiting for a shot at Canelo. Moreover, fans might confuse him with his brother, Jermell Charlo, who Canelo beat by a one-sided 12-round unanimous decision in 2023. Jermell just ran around the ring the entire fight, not even trying to win.
I’m waiting on Canelo in September and going to shock the world in Riyadh Season!
— Terence Crawford (@terencecrawford) February 7, 2025
Last Updated on 02/07/2025
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