Canelo Alvarez Might Fight Artur Beterbiev for Undisputed Light Heavyweight Title, Says Jamel Herring

Boxing veteran Jamel Herring believes that Canelo Alvarez may consider moving up to the light heavyweight division to challenge Artur Beterbiev for his undisputed title. This speculation arises after Beterbiev’s less-than-impressive performance in his recent fight against Dmitry Bivol. Herring, reflecting on Beterbiev's showing, thinks the fight could present an opportunity for Canelo to add to his legacy by becoming the undisputed champion in another weight class.

Beterbiev, who holds an undefeated record of 21-0 with 20 knockouts, managed to secure a close 12-round majority decision win over Bivol, but his performance left many fans and boxing analysts questioning his current abilities. According to Herring, Beterbiev didn’t look like his usual dominant self, struggling during several rounds against Bivol. Although Beterbiev eventually turned the tide in the later rounds, the general consensus among some fans and analysts is that Bivol should have won the fight. This has sparked interest in the possibility of Canelo taking on Beterbiev in what could be a high-stakes match for the light heavyweight crown.

Canelo’s Confidence After Watching Beterbiev vs. Bivol

Herring suggests that after witnessing Beterbiev’s latest fight, Canelo may feel more confident about his chances against the aging light heavyweight champion. Beterbiev appeared slower than usual, throwing fewer punches and showing signs of vulnerability against Bivol, a fighter Canelo previously lost to in May 2022. Canelo, always seeking new challenges, could view a fight with Beterbiev as an opportunity to further cement his place in boxing history.

In fact, Canelo had previously expressed interest in a rematch with Bivol to avenge his defeat, but now, given Beterbiev’s recent struggles, a bout with the hard-hitting Russian might seem more appealing. If Turki Alalshikh, the influential figure behind many major boxing events in Saudi Arabia, approves, Canelo could potentially step ahead of the line to fight Beterbiev before Bivol gets a rematch. The winner of a Canelo vs. Beterbiev fight could then face Bivol, creating a more intriguing storyline for fans than an immediate rematch between Beterbiev and Bivol, which might not deliver the same excitement.

Beterbiev’s Slowing Pace: A Weakness Canelo Could Exploit?

One of the key points Herring brings up is Beterbiev’s apparent decline in performance. At 39 years old, Beterbiev may be showing signs of aging, and fighters like Canelo are likely taking notice. Herring believes that Canelo, as a seasoned fighter, will have spotted potential weaknesses in Beterbiev’s game, such as his slower speed and decreased output. These are aspects Canelo could exploit if the two were to face off.

“Beterbiev might be slowing down,” Herring told Fighthype, suggesting that Canelo could use this as an advantage, particularly as he seeks to add to his already remarkable legacy. With fighters like Anthony Yarde and Edgar Berlanga also expressing interest in facing Beterbiev, it’s clear that many in the boxing world see the light heavyweight champion as more vulnerable than in previous years. Canelo, known for his boxing IQ and ability to adapt, could look at this opportunity to fight for another undisputed title as too good to pass up.

Canelo’s Legacy: Adding Another Weight Class to His Resume

For Canelo, the potential fight against Beterbiev isn’t just about the belts—it’s about his legacy. Already a multi-weight division champion, Canelo could enhance his standing in the sport by becoming the undisputed champion in yet another division. Herring points out that many fighters today aim to become undisputed in multiple weight classes, and this could be a driving factor for Canelo to pursue a fight with Beterbiev.

If Canelo does decide to go after Beterbiev, he will need to act quickly. Turki Alalshikh has significant influence in boxing promotions, and if Canelo doesn’t express his interest soon, plans for a Beterbiev vs. Bivol rematch might solidify. However, if Canelo steps forward, it could alter the course of the light heavyweight division and create a more exciting matchup for fans.

How Would Canelo Fare Against Beterbiev?

Herring believes that Canelo’s style could pose a challenge for Beterbiev. Known for his granite chin and solid defense, Canelo is a fighter who doesn’t shy away from taking risks to entertain fans, even if it means putting himself in danger of being knocked out. This is in stark contrast to Bivol’s approach in his fight against Beterbiev, where he opted for a more cautious strategy, using movement and holding to neutralize Beterbiev’s power in the later rounds.

“Bivol showed that he couldn’t take Beterbiev’s power, especially in the 12th round when he resorted to holding,” Herring observed. However, he adds that Canelo is not the type of fighter who would fight cautiously or avoid exchanges. This willingness to engage in battle could make a Canelo-Beterbiev fight more entertaining for fans, even though it comes with the risk of Canelo getting knocked out.

Moreover, Canelo’s reputation for having one of the best chins in the sport could work to his advantage. If Beterbiev can’t take advantage of his power early in the fight, Canelo might be able to outbox him, using his defense and counterpunching to frustrate the aging champion. Herring points out that Beterbiev cannot afford to give away the first five rounds like he did against Bivol, as Canelo is too skilled to allow him to recover if he falls behind on the scorecards.

Is Beterbiev Still the Monster He Once Was?

While Beterbiev’s aura of invincibility may have taken a hit after his recent fight, Herring emphasizes that he’s still a dangerous fighter. Bivol, for all his skills, felt the power of Beterbiev and chose not to engage in a brawl during their bout. However, Canelo may believe he hits harder than Bivol and could take the fight to Beterbiev, especially if he feels confident in his ability to withstand Beterbiev’s punches.

Herring also notes that Bivol himself remarked that Canelo might hit harder than Beterbiev, which could play into Canelo’s decision-making process. If Canelo believes he has the power to hurt Beterbiev, it might push him to take the fight, knowing that he has a real chance of winning.

As the possibility of a Canelo vs. Beterbiev fight looms, the boxing world is buzzing with anticipation. While Beterbiev may not be the unstoppable force he once was, he remains a formidable champion. Canelo, always looking to push his boundaries and solidify his legacy, could see this as the perfect opportunity to claim another undisputed title.

Whether Canelo decides to fight Beterbiev or pursue other options, one thing is clear: this potential showdown has all the ingredients to be a major event in the sport, one that could reshape the light heavyweight division for years to come.