Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez is getting ready for a big year in boxing. The 34-year-old champion plans to step into the ring twice in 2024, with fights scheduled for May and September.
Canelo's longtime trainer and manager, Eddy Reynoso, shared some details about what's coming up. He told Boxing Azteca:
"Well, there are several, there is William Scull, there is the other classified by the WBO, Mbilli, I think he lives in Canada. They are the ones that are more or less there right now, but there is nothing concrete. You can also hear about Crawford for September, but we still don't really have anything sure until about 15 days or so."
For the May fight, which usually happens around Cinco De Mayo, Canelo's team is looking at two main options. One is William Scull, the current IBF World Champion at super-middleweight. Scull, a Cuban fighter based in Germany, got the title after Canelo was stripped for not facing him as a mandatory challenger. If Canelo beats Scull, he'll become the undisputed champion again.
The other option is Christian Mbilli, a Cameroonian-French boxer. Mbilli is ranked number one by both the WBC and WBA, and number two by the WBO. He's won all 28 of his fights, with 23 knockouts. Some think Mbilli might be a tougher fight for Canelo than Scull.
Canelo's team will decide on the May opponent in about two weeks. For September, which is around Mexican Independence Day weekend, talks are happening about a fight with Terence 'Bud' Crawford. Crawford, who's won titles in four different weight classes, would need to move up two weight classes for this fight.
Crawford has said he won't take any other fights before the expected September bout with Canelo. This match-up, if it happens, will be a big deal in the boxing world.
Canelo's got a lot on his plate for 2024. Whether he's trying to become undisputed champion again or taking on a tough opponent like Crawford, fans can expect some exciting fights from the super-middleweight champ this year.
