In his prime, Alvarez was a force to be reckoned with. He ran through five different divisions, becoming a world champion in four weight classes. He beat fighters both smaller and larger than himself, cementing his reputation as one of boxing's greats.
But the tide turned when Alvarez returned to light heavyweight to face Bivol. Fans didn't expect what happened next. Bivol made easy work of Alvarez, handing him a surprising defeat.
Since that fight, Alvarez hasn't shown the same dominance and brilliance that made him a fan favorite. His recent performance against William Scull left much to be desired. It's been seven fights and two and a half years since Alvarez's last knockout, a stark contrast to his earlier career.
The boxing world has taken notice. Uncrowned now ranks Alvarez at number 7, behind fighters like Bam Rodriguez and Artur Beterbiev. ESPN places him at number 4, with his win over Scull doing little to improve his standing. The Ring magazine had him at number 7 a month before the Scull fight, and that ranking might drop even further.
"I don't care about the rankings," Alvarez said in a recent interview. "I'm focused on my legacy and making money. That's what matters to me now."
Despite his apparent indifference, Alvarez's fall from grace has been swift and noticeable. The boxer who once seemed unstoppable now struggles to dominate opponents who, on paper, should be easy work for him.
But all isn't lost for the Mexican superstar. A potential fight with Terence Crawford looms on the horizon for September. This match could be Alvarez's chance to climb back up the ranks and regain favor with fans who've grown skeptical of his abilities.
As the boxing world watches and waits, one thing is clear: Canelo Alvarez's journey is far from over. Whether he'll reclaim his spot at the top or continue to slide down the rankings remains to be seen. The next few months will be crucial for the fighter once hailed as boxing's greatest.