Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez is picking his fights carefully at 34 years old. The Mexican superstar has won 64 out of 66 fights and now chooses opponents based on money or legacy.
Canelo recently gave up his undisputed super-middleweight status. The IBF stripped him of their belt when he refused to face the mandatory challenger. Alvarez didn't seem bothered, saying, "I'm gonna do whatever I want. Because I deserve it, because of all I have done."
His latest fight was a routine points win over Edgar Berlanga. Now, Canelo wants to rematch Dmitry Bivol, one of only two fighters to beat him. But that depends on Bivol winning against Artur Beterbiev in their upcoming undisputed light-heavyweight contest in Saudi Arabia.
Hall of Fame fighter Andre Ward doesn't think Canelo will ever face Beterbiev. In a clip from Max on Boxing, Ward predicted, "He'll never fight Beterbiev." Canelo seems to prove Ward right, saying he's not interested in any other light-heavyweight fight except Bivol.
Beterbiev is a unified champion and the only world champion with a 100% knockout ratio. If he beats Bivol, he might move up to cruiserweight. That would make a fight with Canelo even less likely.
David Benavidez has been trying to get a fight with Canelo for a while. He even moved up in weight to chase the opportunity. But Canelo seems focused on other options.
"I'm gonna do whatever I want. Because I deserve it, because of all I have done."
Canelo's words show he's in control of his career. He's looking for big money fights or chances to improve his legacy. At this point, he's earned the right to be picky about who he faces in the ring.