Canelo Alvarez is setting his sights on potential contenders for his upcoming fall fight, adding Jermall Charlo and WBC cruiserweight champion Badou Jack to his list. Charlo, who’s been off the radar since his tumultuous battle with Juan Macias Montiel in 2021, raises questions about his current form. For Canelo, this seems like the perfect time to take on Charlo, as the latter’s hiatus might have eroded his skills, leaving him susceptible to the Mexican boxing titan.
Although Canelo and his promoter Eddie Hearn initially had eyes on Dmitry Bivol for a September rematch, plans have changed. Some speculate that Canelo never genuinely considered facing Bivol again, especially after a previous defeat. The possibility of a second loss might have influenced Canelo’s decision to dodge a rematch, hinting at his lack of enthusiasm for facing Bivol again. Canelo and his manager Eddy Reynoso even met with Charlo’s manager Al Haymon to discuss a potential bout, reports Mike Coppinger of ESPN.
However, pitting Canelo against the inactive Charlo may be a risky proposition, given Charlo’s two-year absence from the ring since 2021. The bout, ideally, should have happened three years ago when Charlo was still in his prime, sparking greater public interest. Now, this match-up could be seen as a missed opportunity for Canelo. The alternative fight with the WBC cruiserweight champion Badou Jack, who is nearing 40, might seem less heroic for Canelo but could offer a shot at a fifth division world title. The negotiations are already underway with the Saudis at Skills Challenge Entertainment. Even if the bout involves a catchweight of 175 lbs, it’s arguably the best route for Canelo to realize his ambitions amidst the pool of highly talented cruiserweight champions.
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