Who Deserves To Fight Canelo In His 2025-2026 Deal For A Booming And Controversial Debate

Canelo Alvarez remains the undisputed face of modern boxing, holding dominance in multiple weight divisions while carefully selecting opponents that align with his legacy and financial incentives. With his 2025-2026 fight deal on the horizon, speculation is at an all-time high regarding who truly deserves to share the ring with him.

This debate has stirred controversy as:

Fans and analysts argue over who has earned a title shot based on merit
Business interests shape decisions, prioritizing pay-per-view sales over rankings
Fighters actively campaign to secure the golden ticket against Canelo

With many contenders lined up, who should get the opportunity to face boxing’s biggest superstar? Let’s break down the most deserving candidates and the heated debates surrounding this crucial decision.

The Criteria: What Makes a Fighter Deserving of a Canelo Showdown?

A fight with Canelo is not just about skill inside the ring. The selection process depends on multiple factors that combine both sporting legitimacy and business appeal. Fighters must meet some of the following criteria to be considered:

Sporting Merit: Have They Earned Their Shot?

Holding a world title or being a mandatory challenger in Canelo’s division
Defeating top-level competition to prove their legitimacy
Consistency and dominance in recent fights

Marketability: Will the Fight Sell?

A large and dedicated fanbase to drive pay-per-view numbers
A compelling narrative or rivalry that creates drama and excitement
A global following, increasing the fight’s appeal to international markets

Legacy Significance: Does the Fight Elevate Canelo’s Career?

Facing young, undefeated contenders to maintain his credibility
Taking on dangerous challenges to prove he remains at the top
Moving across weight divisions to cement his status as an all-time great

With these factors in mind, let’s analyze the most talked-about names in the Canelo sweepstakes.

Top Contenders for Canelo’s 2025-2026 Deal

David Benavidez has long been considered Canelo’s toughest potential opponent at super middleweight. With his:

Unbeaten record and aggressive fighting style
Two-time WBC champion status
Relentless pressure and size advantage

Many argue that Benavidez deserves the first shot at Canelo, but promotional and financial issues have delayed this fight. If Canelo truly wants to silence critics, fighting Benavidez would be the ultimate statement.

The Debate:
✔ Benavidez has been the WBC’s top contender for years
✔ He offers a genuine threat to Canelo’s undisputed status
✖ Risky fight with less mainstream appeal compared to other options

Jermall Charlo: Redemption After His Brother’s Failure?

Canelo’s dominant win over Jermell Charlo in 2023 left fans wondering if Jermall Charlo, the bigger and stronger brother, could do better. With his:

WBC middleweight title credentials
Bigger natural frame compared to Jermell
Unfinished business with Canelo’s legacy

Jermall offers an intriguing storyline, but his inactivity and mental health struggles raise questions about his ability to compete at the highest level.

The Debate:
✔ Name value and built-in story from his brother’s loss
✔ Offers a PPV-worthy event with potential for drama
✖ Has not fought elite competition in years due to inactivity

Terence Crawford: A Clash of Pound-for-Pound Greats?

Many believe that Crawford vs. Canelo is the biggest possible superfight, as both men sit at the top of boxing’s pound-for-pound rankings. With Crawford’s:

Unparalleled technical skills and IQ
Domination across multiple weight classes
Desire to challenge himself at higher divisions

This fight could redefine legacies, but it comes with a major challenge—weight difference. Crawford, a natural welterweight, would need to move up significantly, making size and power a major disadvantage against Canelo.

The Debate:
✔ Elite matchup between two of the best boxers in the world
✔ A high-stakes, legacy-defining fight
✖ Weight concerns may make this fight one-sided

Artur Beterbiev: A Dangerous Light Heavyweight Challenge?

For Canelo to further cement his legacy, moving back to light heavyweight to face the undefeated knockout machine Artur Beterbiev would be a historic challenge. With his:

100 percent knockout rate
Unified WBC, IBF, and WBO light heavyweight titles
Raw power and aggressive style

Beterbiev represents one of the biggest risks in Canelo’s career. However, at 39 years old, he may not be at his absolute peak when this fight happens.

The Debate:
✔ A massive challenge that could enhance Canelo’s legacy
✔ A true warrior matchup between two elite champions
✖ Risk of Canelo being overpowered at a higher weight

Dmitry Bivol Rematch: A Shot at Redemption?

Canelo’s only recent defeat came against Dmitry Bivol in 2022, and fans still question whether Canelo can truly avenge that loss. Bivol’s:

Masterclass in technical boxing
Size and reach advantage
Calm and disciplined approach

Made him a nightmare for Canelo. While Canelo initially sought a rematch, talks never materialized. Would 2025-2026 be the right time for redemption?

The Debate:
✔ A necessary fight to correct the biggest blemish on Canelo’s record
✔ Tactical adjustments could make this fight different from the first
✖ Bivol has little mainstream appeal, limiting PPV potential

Who Will Canelo Actually Fight? Business vs. Legacy

While fans and boxing purists may want Canelo to face the most dangerous opponents, boxing politics and financial incentives often dictate matchups. Here are the likely scenarios for Canelo’s future fights.

Most Likely Opponents (Based on Business & Marketability):

Jermall Charlo: Safer fight with big-name value
Terence Crawford: A potential superfight despite weight issues
David Benavidez: If fans demand it, the pressure may force this fight

Most Challenging Opponents (Based on Legacy & Risk):

Dmitry Bivol Rematch: The ultimate redemption fight
Artur Beterbiev: A step into the most dangerous weight division

Canelo has always balanced legacy and business, but as his career enters its final prime years, every fight he takes will define his ultimate standing in boxing history.

Conclusion: The Future of Canelo’s Career Hangs in the Balance

As the debate over Canelo’s 2025-2026 opponents intensifies, one thing remains certain—whoever gets the opportunity will be part of boxing history. Whether it’s the long-awaited showdown with Benavidez, the high-stakes risk against Beterbiev, or the strategic choice of Charlo or Crawford, every fight has major implications for the sport.

Fans will continue to push for the most deserving challenger, but ultimately, Canelo and his team will decide what is best for his legacy and business. Will he take on the toughest challenges, or will he prioritize financial gain? The world is watching, and the boxing community awaits his next move.