Canelo Declares Bivol Rematch as His Sole Light Heavyweight Contender

So, here’s the thing about Canelo Alvarez… he’s got his eyes set on just one fight in the 175-pound weight class that really tickles his fancy. Yep, you guessed it—he’s talking about a runback with Dmitry Bivol. Now, if you remember, Bivol beat him fair and square over 12 rounds, though some folks say Bivol’s win was more convincing than the judges said. I mean, fans have opinions, right?

Anyway, Canelo chatted with The Ring about how he wants another go at Bivol. Why? Well, he says he was only at “50 percent” during their first dance, all thanks to a pesky injury in his left hand. Seriously, it was like he was boxing with one glove tied behind his back. Not literally, but you get it.

Apparently, Canelo couldn’t do his usual roadwork or sparring leading up to the Bivol fight. And there you have it—poor conditioning. Ask Oleks Gvozdyk, his sparring mate at the time, if you need receipts on this.

He’s like, “It’s the only fight at 175 I’m interested in… maybe?” He lamented about not being able to throw punches or hit the pads like he usually does, and how a month of no sparring left him in a bind. Ah, the life of a boxer, right?

But here’s the million-dollar question: if, and that’s a big “if,” Canelo wasn’t firing on all cylinders when he first faced Bivol, could the second time be the charm? Would it be a different outcome, or are we just dreaming?

Meanwhile, while the rematch fantasy swirls around us, Canelo’s got a date in the ring with William Scull on May 3, fighting for a 168-pound unification. And Bivol has got himself a trilogy bout with Artur Beterbiev. Let’s be real for a second—who knows what that kinda fight will do to Bivol?

And as for Canelo versus David Benavidez? Yeah, let’s not hold our breath on that one ever happening.