Canelo Alvarez Reveals 'Final Chapter' Fight: "This One Defines Everything"

Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez will step into the ring for his 66th professional fight this weekend in Las Vegas. The 34-year-old unified super-middleweight world champion faces Edgar Berlanga on September 14, continuing a career that kicked off when he was just 15 years old.

Canelo has won world titles in four weight classes and remains one of boxing's biggest stars. He's held all four belts at super-middleweight, though he was stripped of one earlier this year for not facing a mandatory challenger.

As he prepares for his latest defense, Canelo finds it hard to pick out fights that would add to his already impressive legacy. He shared his thoughts during a media scrum:

"I always fought everybody. I fought legendary fights – Cotto, Golovkin – but they bring me something. They bring me legacy. I'm talking about that. I know you guys are always saying fight Benavidez, you're gonna put other fights [after that]. Like I say, if the money is right then it's a special fight, I'm in. Because he doesn't bring me legacy, anything."

Many fans and pundits see David Benavidez as Canelo's toughest test in the division. But Canelo doesn't think a fight with the 27-year-old WBC number one challenger would enhance his legacy.

When asked about potential legacy-defining fights, Canelo mentioned a rematch with Dmitry Bivol. Bivol is one of only two men to beat Canelo, alongside Floyd Mayweather.

"I don't know. Right now there's not much people left. I fought everybody … Bivol is one of the guys I'd have my rematch with. Like I say, if he wins 175, undisputed…"

Bivol outworked and outboxed Canelo over twelve rounds in their 2022 clash. The Russian fighter is set to face Artur Beterbiev in October for the undisputed light-heavyweight title. Canelo believes Bivol could come out on top in that fight.

If Bivol wins, we might see Canelo move up to challenge for undisputed status at 175 pounds. That scenario would give him the legacy-enhancing fight he's looking for, while potentially leaving Benavidez without the big payday he's been chasing.

For now, Canelo's focus is on Berlanga this weekend. But the boxing world will be watching closely to see what moves the Mexican superstar makes next in his quest to further cement his legacy.