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Three potential opponents in the fight for Canelo’s return

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3 potential opponents for Canelo’s comeback fight

Will Canelo Alvarez fight again – and if so, against whom?

We will have a clearer picture only next year, when the Mexican star will have time to get over the third defeat in his career. Terence Crawford he followed Floyd Mayweather and Dmitry Bivol in outclassing Canelo and, like his predecessors, was never in danger of being beaten.

Next summer, one of the biggest boxing attractions of the century will turn 36. He has 68 fights and 532 rounds under his belt and is closing in on the finish line, but Mexican pride and a fighter’s ego make it demanding to imagine Alvarez recovering from defeat.

So who could he face next? Here are three realistic options.

Terence Crawford

During his visit to TV Azteca, Canelo made it clear that he intends to fight in 2026 and that he wants a rematch with “Bud” Crawford. Losing the undisputed super middleweight crown to a man who started out fighting for the lightweight title will be painful. Motivation won’t be an issue, but few will expect Canelo to challenge his September result against someone of Crawford’s caliber.

Hamzah Sheeraz

Since Hamzah Sheeraz joined forces with Turki Alalshikh and Riyadh Season, one opponent has remained central to their ambitions: Canelo Alvarez. The loss to Crawford may have dampened Sheeraz’s title momentum, but the chance to dethrone the former king still holds appeal.

Meanwhile, Canelo can look back on Sheeraz’s explosive victory over Edgar Berlanga and reflect on the opportunity to tame the growing threat and send him home with humility.

Chris Eubank Jr

As part of Canelo’s multi-fight Riyad season deal, several names were discussed should he defeat Crawford, and one of the fighters earmarked for 2026 was Chris Eubank Jr.

Both men did suffered severe defeats in the second half of 2025, but if Alvarez decides to fight abroad, London will be the obvious destination. Few British players have the ability to generate stadium crowds and generate as much revenue as Eubank Jr. In boxing, sometimes the most essential thing is the events, and then the fights – and Canelo-Eubank Jr fits this pattern.

Whoever Canelo chooses, the options are restricted. Any return must make financial and competitive sense. Between middleweight and super middleweight, there aren’t many opponents who bring everything to the table.

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Tim Bradley wonders if Inoue is tired of fighting

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Image: Tim Bradley Wonders if Inoue Is Becoming Battle-Worn

Tim Bradley raised modern questions about Naoya Inoue ahead of a possible fight with Junto Nakatani, saying the undisputed champion has been hit too tough recently and could be he’s starting to get tired of fighting.

“I was hesitant on what to choose,” Bradley said on his channel while talking about Saturday’s Inoue vs. Nakatani fight. “I don’t know who I’m going to favor yet. I’ll let you know later, man. I don’t know. I really don’t know.”

Bradley explained that Nakatani’s length, timing and counters give him the tools to give Inoue more trouble than recent opponents. “Nakatani got a chance to bat,” Bradley said. “In any case, she needs to close the distance from him. The question is, will she do it safely?”


He also pointed out a recurring error in Inoue’s style, noting moments where the undisputed champion can be caught stepping in.

“He’s defenseless. He’s getting hit. That’s what it is,” Bradley said. “Like Nakatani.”

Bradley praised the way Nakatani uses his range and setup play, saying it all starts with his lead hand.

“It all depends on the leading hand and whether he can get his opponent into the action,” Bradley said. “He wants you to reach so he can teach.”

Still, Bradley sees Inoue as a more adaptable player and therefore can’t fully engage in an upset conversation.

“You can never predict. You look at Inoue’s fights and you see this guy doesn’t fight the same,” Bradley said. “He always adapts his game to the style he is dealing with.”

Bradley also questioned whether years of activity could compensate Inoue after his recent struggles.

“He was hit too tough,” Bradley said. “I wonder if he’s getting tired of fighting?”

Even with these concerns, Bradley expects both men to be in top shape should the fight happen.

“It’s going to be a hell of a fight, man,” Bradley said. “These guys are going to beat the living [expletive] from each other.”

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Categories Naoya Inoue

Last updated: 26/04/2026 at 17:17

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Doubts are growing about Floyd Mayweather’s rematch with Manny Pacquiao

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Mayweather vs Pacquiao 2 doubts clouds no word

Floyd Mayweather still has not confirmed his rematch with Manny Pacquiao, and his silence now raises grave doubts whether this fight will take place at all.

While Pacquiao and his team continue to push the idea that a second fight has been agreed, Mayweather has said nothing beyond suggesting that any return would be an exhibition and that his undefeated record is not in jeopardy.

This gap between the two sides has only widened, resulting in one version being shared publicly while the other remains absent.

Pacquiao insists the deal is done

Pacquiao has repeatedly said the contract is for a fully sanctioned professional fight, not an exhibition.

“The contract we signed is a real fight,” Pacquiao said. “It’s either a real fight or nothing.”

His team went further, maintaining that contracts had been signed and financial commitments made, and Manny Pacquiao Promotions CEO Jas Mathur provided those details in multiple interviews, including with World Boxing News.

At this stage, the message was clear – the fight had begun and it would be fought on fully professional terms.

Mayweather’s silence tells a different story

Mayweather’s position does not match this certainty.

The former five-weight world champion has not yet officially confirmed the rematch and only referred to the exhibition conditions when discussing a possible return to the professional ranks.

There has been no announcement from Mayweather Promotions, no official launch of the event, and no confirmation from any broadcaster despite reports linking Netflix to the project.

Even that element has gone silent, with no evident promotion or support to suggest that a major fight announcement is imminent.

Mathur, who spoke out during the initial rollout, has also withdrawn from public comments in recent weeks.

The famed Mayweather pattern

The situation mirrors previous instances where reports of fighting have gained popularity without ever being confirmed.

Earlier this year, a proposed exhibition featuring Mike Tyson followed a similar path, with a reported date circulating ahead of his departure, with neither man formally mentioning its status.

Mayweather has long maintained a consistent stance in situations like this.

“Nothing is confirmed unless you hear it here first,” he said throughout his career, a standard he maintained until the exhibition era.

Until confirmation comes directly from Mayweather, speculation alone will not be enough to make the fight real.

Unresolved, not imminent

Pacquiao’s position remains unchanged, and there is an expectation in his camp that the rematch will be conducted as a truly professional fight.

But without Mayweather publicly responding to these conditions, the situation remains unresolved – and increasingly questionable.

At this point the direction becomes clear.

Throughout the discussion surrounding the second meeting, only one side is actively driving the narrative, while the other has yet to take any action.

Until Floyd Mayweather says it himself, there is no fight – just one-sided noise.


About the author

Phil Jay is the editor-in-chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a boxing veteran with over 15 years of experience. Read the full biography.

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Tim Bradley sums up Terence Crawford’s chances of beating the first Floyd Mayweather

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Tim Bradley sums up Terence Crawford’s chances of beating prime Floyd Mayweather

Terence Crawford or Floyd Mayweather? Hall of Fame player Tim Bradley only sees one winner.

Eight years after Mayweather retired undefeated, Crawford followed suit. The two shared many of the characteristics that define elite warriors. Both won titles in different weight classes and relied on IQ, timing and accuracy rather than outright aggression. It’s worth noting that they were able to adapt mid-fight and take away from their opponents what they do best without taking unnecessary risks.

They were also very different. Mayweather, especially in the later stages of his career, was almost entirely defensive and content to win rounds through control and minimal effort. “Bud” was more proactive and fan-friendly – ​​changing positions, increasing his efficiency and pushing for the finish when there was a chance.

It’s an intriguing clash of styles and a natural choice for a high-end fantasy fight ES Newsthe animated Bradley had no hesitation in predicting Crawford’s victory.

“Crawford!…He’s got too much power, man, too much power for Floyd. He’s as shrewd as [Floyd] Is. He has perfect timing. He can play both ways – Floyd doesn’t like to face southpaws. Damn, Zab Judah was getting his act together before he ran out of gas. I’ve been saying this for years, I have Crawford all day long.

Crawford was only respectful when asked about Mayweather, and even admitted he believed Floyd was the only fighter who could have caused him problems. This will remain one of the hottest intergenerational debates.

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