Canelo Alvarez's former promoter Oscar De La Hoya warns him to steer clear of Dmitry Bivol. The Golden Boy Promotions CEO believes Canelo can't overcome Bivol's fighting style.
De La Hoya and Canelo worked together until 2020, a partnership that saw Alvarez become a three-weight world champion. Their relationship ended with a public falling out, leading to Canelo's departure from Golden Boy Promotions. Since then, Canelo has achieved undisputed status at super-middleweight, though he was stripped of the IBF belt last year.
Canelo's next fight is set for May 2024 against William Scull, where he'll try to reclaim the IBF belt and become undisputed again. A potential showdown with fellow pound-for-pound superstar Terence Crawford looms for September.
Despite these plans, De La Hoya advises Canelo to avoid a rematch with Dmitry Bivol. In an interview with FightHype.com, De La Hoya stated:
"There is no way he beats Bivol. There is just no way. Styles make fights. As much as I would want to see a Mexican win inside that ring, there is no way he beats Bivol."
De La Hoya's warning stems from Canelo's previous encounter with Bivol in May 2022. At 175lbs, Bivol handed Canelo a unanimous decision loss, becoming only the second man after Floyd Mayweather to defeat Alvarez. The bout was for Bivol's WBA light heavyweight title.
Bivol has since added to his accolades. Last month, he became the undisputed light heavyweight champion by defeating Artur Beterbiev in a rematch, avenging his loss from their first meeting in October.
A rematch between Canelo and Bivol has been speculated since their initial bout. However, Bivol's next move remains uncertain. He could face an undefeated 'monster' or risk losing his undisputed status.
As the boxing world watches, Canelo's decision regarding a potential Bivol rematch will surely be a topic of intense interest.
