What’s next for Canelo Alvarez? 3 potential opponents after Christian Mbilli win

It had been a year since Canelo Alvarez competed in a ring, and boxing fans weren’t sure what to expect. The Mexican warrior came back with a vengeance, beating Christian Mbilli to win the WBC super middleweight title.

Canelo beat Mbilli via unanimous decision, with scorecards reading 116-111, 117-110, and 115-112. It was a return to form for the former two-time undisputed super middleweight champion.

Canelo has one more fight under the Riyadh Season banner. That bout could take place in the first quarter of 2027. Even if it takes longer, an active Canelo is already ready for his next opponent.

Here’s a breakdown of potential opponents for Canelo heading into 2027.

Of the names included, Hamzah Sheeraz seems the most likely fighter to face Canelo.

Sheeraz recently vacated his WBO super middleweight title after being ordered to defend it against Janibek Alimkhanuly. By not fulfilling a mandatory obligation, it opens the door for a potential Sheeraz showdown with Canelo.

Sheeraz has a close relationship with Turki Alalshikh. He's also beaten Edgar Berlanga, a former Canelo opponent, knocking him out in the fifth round of their 2025 fight. His height and reach may be a problem, but given Canelo’s fighting spirit, there’s potential for it to be a lucrative showdown.

Lester Martinez is the interim WBC super middleweight champion. Normally, the interim champion would be next in line. However, boxing is a funny sport sometimes. Still, it would make for a fascinating fight.

Martinez won the belt in March. It was his second attempt after going to a draw against Mbilli for the title. He last fought in August and has 17 knockout wins. Building a following in California, Martinez is an aggressive fighter who would make things interesting for the calculating Canelo.

Canelo is a fighting champion. He also loves to collect belts. Would he wait to fight the winner of Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Jacob Bank for the WBO super middleweight title?

Janibek, one of the most feared fighters in the division, who last fought in April 2025, was stripped of the IBF title after failing a drug test. However, he managed to get a fight booked against Sheeraz, who relinquished the WBO title.

The Kazakhstani faces Blank on January 23. The unbeaten Danish fighter is 3-0 in 2026. Depending on how that fight goes, Canelo could face the winner to unify the division.