Canelo Alvarez will have been a keen observer when Artur Beterbiev took on Dmitry Bivol.
Beterbiev claimed a majority decision victory over Bivol in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, becoming the first undisputed light heavyweight champion since Roy Jones Jr. more than 20 years ago.
Canelo had made his intentions clear before the fight, stating his desire to move back up to 175 pounds to try and avenge his loss to Bivol.
The Mexican superstar fought Bivol in May 2022 but suffered a loss, with the Russian claiming a unanimous decision victory.
Beterbiev’s win over Bivol looked like it might have scuppered Alvarez’s plans, and he has revealed whether he would be willing to face the newly crowned undisputed light-heavyweight champion.
Speaking ahead of that fight at Pound 4 Pound With Kamaru & Henry, Canelo spoke about his desire to secure the rematch with Bivol, but that it is the only fight that interests him at 175 pounds.
Yes, if it is possible one day, it is the only fight I will do once again at 175 pounds with that rematch with Bivol. I think it is the only fight I will [go up] and fight him.”
Canelo is the current WBC, WBA and WBO super middleweight champion, having been stripped of his IBF belt for choosing to face Edgar Berlanga in September instead of mandatory challenger William Scull.
He is expected to return to the ring in May, but the result of the Beterbiev vs. Bivol fight now leaves it unclear who he will target as an opponent.
As for Beterbiev and Bivol, an immediate rematch could come after Bivol officially lodged a protest over the result, and Beterbiev has announced whether he is willing to go ahead with it.
