In a stunning turn of events, Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, the former undisputed super-middleweight champion, is on the verge of securing an immediate world title shot after his points defeat to Terence Crawford last year. The 35-year-old Mexican superstar lost his crown to Crawford in a unanimous decision in September, marking a rare setback in his illustrious career. While Crawford has since announced his retirement, Canelo has chosen to forge ahead, setting his sights on reclaiming a world title.
Canelo’s potential return to the ring has sparked excitement among boxing enthusiasts, especially with rumors of a rematch with Russian powerhouse Dmitry Bivol. Bivol, who holds the WBA Super, IBO, IBF, The Ring, and WBO light heavyweight titles, previously defeated Canelo by decision. A rematch between these two titans would undoubtedly be a blockbuster event, drawing global attention.
Canelo’s last bout was against Terence Crawford in September 2025 in Las Vegas, where he suffered a unanimous decision loss. Despite this setback, Canelo’s record remains impressive, with 63 wins (39 by knockout), three losses, and two draws. Bivol, on the other hand, has been on a winning streak, with his last fight against Artur Beterbiev in February 2025 resulting in a majority decision victory, making him the undisputed light heavyweight world champion. Bivol’s record stands at 24 wins (12 by knockout) and one loss.
Meanwhile, in the heavyweight division, Fabio Wardley, the WBO champion, is considering several opponents for his first title defense. Among the potential challengers is Daniel Dubois, setting the stage for an all-British heavyweight battle in 2026. Wardley’s team has been in talks with Dubois, exploring the possibility of this high-stakes matchup. Wardley’s manager, Mike Ofo, has expressed interest in a unification clash with Oleksandr Usyk, although terms for a fight with Derek Chisora could not be agreed upon.
In the featherweight division, Nick Ball is preparing to defend his WBA title against Brandon Figueroa on Saturday, February 7, at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool. Ball is not taking Figueroa lightly, despite his recent high-volume punch output. Ball believes he can control the pace and location of exchanges, rather than being dictated by Figueroa’s aggressive style. This fight promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both fighters looking to impose their will on the other.
As the boxing world eagerly awaits these potential matchups, one thing is certain: the coming months promise to deliver high-octane action and unforgettable moments in the ring.
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