On Saturday night, once Canelo–Crawford ends, the inevitable thought among fight fans around the world will be: Who’s next?
Assuming there is no immediate rematch between the two great fighters, who will be the next opponent for the undisputed super middleweight champion?
There is no shortage of candidates eager to square off with boxing’s cash cow. Ever since Demetrius Andrade crashed a Canelo press conference years ago to hear the famous words “Payday, payday,” that phrase has been used online for any potential Canelo opponent. With sanctioning bodies being generous in their mandatory timelines toward the undisputed champion, the next challenger for the Canelo–Crawford winner isn’t obvious. Here’s my breakdown of what’s likely to happen:
Photo: Mikey Williams – Hamzah Sheeraz (right)
Frontrunner
Hamzah Sheeraz – After headlining a Ring card this past July and knocking out Edgar Berlanga in emphatic fashion, Sheeraz is the frontrunner. He brings a massive UK audience, and Turki Alalshikh has not been shy in his praise and intentions for Sheeraz.
In Contention
Christian Mbilli – Despite being the WBC interim champion, I believe Sheeraz will leapfrog Mbilli in the pecking order. That said, Mbilli’s spot on Saturday undercard will give him major international exposure, and provided he wins against Martinez, he should finally get his shot in the second half of 2026.
Photo: Vincent Ethier – Christian Mbilli
Diego Pacheco – Pacheco fits the mold of past Canelo opponents: ranked among the top 10 but not viewed as dangerous as others. He’s promoted by Matchroom, and Eddie Hearn has a strong business relationship with Turki Alalshikh, which keeps Pacheco in the mix.
Longshots
Osleys Iglesias – As the soon to be IBF mandatory, Iglesias has a case. But let’s be real: with 13 KOs in 14 pro fights, he’s a nightmare matchup few will want. Until he gains more commercial exposure, his chances of facing the Canelo–Crawford winner remain slim.
Photo: Vincent Ethier – Osleys Iglesias
David Benavidez – The fight fans have been calling for years. It’s well known that Canelo has refused, for various reasons, to give Benavidez an opportunity, which has forced the undefeated Mexican-American to move up to light heavyweight. The potential for this massive fight still exists, but hope is fading.
Dark Horse
Dmitry Bivol – Canelo has often talked about avenging his loss to Bivol. If he moves back up to 175 lb, Turki would surely be interested in making that rematch happen.
Jake Paul: As crazy as it sounds, you can’t discount the possibility anymore after both men appeared close to an agreement before Turki intervened. It would be a spectacle that Netflix would be on board with.
Photo: Netflix – Jake Paul
