We’re pretty much seeing Alvarez at his peak so far. Even he’s apparently said that this is the best year of his life, let alone his career. But that’s gotten me thinking about the inevitable decline and retirement that all boxers go through when their career goes on for long enough. Like everyone else, I don’t want his career ending with us all thinking about all the “fights that could have been”.
I think after the Makabu fight, he should step down to Light Heavyweight to fight Beterbiev. Everyone has been fantasizing about this matchup for a while now. Plus, trying to make him go from Cruiserweight straight back down to Super Middleweight will only ensure that it’ll take longer before we see his next fight. So, it might make the most sense to do it at this particular point.
After this, he goes back down to Super Middle to start defending his undisputed championship status. And for the rest of his career he STAYS at that weight class. I imagine him making his first defense against Lemiux, and by the end of the match Alvarez promptly sends him into retirement. His next defense is against the #1 ranked contender, David Benavidez.
To make a long-story short, after cleaning out the whole Super Middleweight division, the only major challenger left would be whoever the unified Middleweight champion is (assuming their is one). It’s hard to imagine that person being GGG by that point given how old he would be (in other words, if we want a third fight, it would have to come much earlier than the time I’m suggesting). Let’s assume for the sake of argument that Jermall Charlo is the unified Middleweight king by that point. That could be a good pick for the final fight of Canelo’s career.
Now, I get the feeling I’m being overly optimistic here. But I think these matchups have a decent chance of happening because I get the impression that Canelo is someone who legitimately cares about their legacy. He’s been slightly more active and more willing to take risks than some other big name boxers we have right now. Say what you want about him, but I stand by my point.
Anyway, I want to know, Canelo fans, how do you like to imagine the direction Canelo’s career goes? Is it vastly different from what I just pitched.
He shouldn't jump around weight classes too much.
Once he commits to light heavyweight or higher, don't go back to super middleweight or middleweight.
Roy Jones Jr. drained himself all the way from 193 to 175 to fight Antonio Tarver, and it ended in disaster.
He shouldn't jump around weight classes too much.
Once he commits to light heavyweight or higher, don't go back to super middleweight or middleweight.
Roy Jones Jr. drained himself all the way from 193 to 175 to fight Antonio Tarver, and it ended in disaster.
Joe Smith Jr (after beating Makabu)
Benavidez
Charlo
Bivol-Zurdo winner
Beterbiev (to finally unify LHW)
Okolie (moving back to CW)
Goulamirian
Briedis (final fight at CW, to unify the division)
Usyk (for the undisputed HW title)
Yup, that should be enough. After beating Usyk he can retire as the GOAT and fight exhibition matches against polar bears or something.
If he wins 6/9 of these listed fights, he has an argument for greatest of all time.
Joe Smith Jr (after beating Makabu)
Benavidez
Charlo
Bivol-Zurdo winner
Beterbiev (to finally unify LHW)
Okolie (moving back to CW)
Goulamirian
Briedis (final fight at CW, to unify the division)
Usyk (for the undisputed HW title)
Yup, that should be enough. After beating Usyk he can retire as the GOAT and fight exhibition matches against polar bears or something.
Honestly, I don’t see him fighting at heavyweight. Also, even if, and that’s a big IF, he beats Makabu, there’s no guarantee he can pull that off more than once. So, I don’t even like the idea of him staying at Cruiserweight, either.
I think Alvarez has the skills to fight at 37 or 38 and add longevity to his list of achievements
That’s about the same age I also see him fighting until he retires.
If Murata beats GGG, possible with GGG on the slide, I could see him fighting Murata in Japan. He said he wanted to fight there one day and he likes sushi.
Joe Smith Jr (after beating Makabu)
Benavidez
Charlo
Bivol-Zurdo winner
Beterbiev (to finally unify LHW)
Okolie (moving back to CW)
Goulamirian
Briedis (final fight at CW, to unify the division)
Usyk (for the undisputed HW title)
Yup, that should be enough. After beating Usyk he can retire as the GOAT and fight exhibition matches against polar bears or something.
I think after Makabu, he fights GGG, then maybe drags Charlo upto 168, and then retires. I don't see him as the type to hang around defending titles for years to come, or taking legit dangerous fights against the likes of Benavidez, Beterbiev. He will ride off into the sunset sooner than most think and ride his manufactured greatness.
in no particular order:
Artur
Makabu
Benavidez
Charlo - In Texas
GGG 3 - In Guadalajara MX
Bivol
Usyk (fuk it)
Andrade
Joe Smith Jr
Eubank Jr in the UK
This list would take care of the next three years, and he would still be just 33! Damn!