What next for Canelo Alvarez in 2022? Makabu, Golovkin, Usyk all options
What is next for the great Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez after making history at super middleweight in 2021?
The answer was an overwhelming 'no' as Canelo, who had the word 'undisputed' already etched on his glove, broke down his younger opponent round by round to make history.
Canelo's 60-fight record (57-1-2, 39 KO) has seen him beaten just once - by the imperious Floyd Mayweather in 2013.
Cruiserweight champion in frame
Ilunga Makabu was the shock name mentioned by Eddy Reynoso in November at the WBC convention.
Canelo, despite being unaware of the potential fight before his trainer and manager mentioned it to the world, is more than ready for the fight - especially with it being at 190lbs rather than the traditional 200lbs under WBC's rules and regulations.
Oleksandr Usyk interested in Canelo super-fight
Oleksandr Usyk is open to facing Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez next at cruiserweight - but only if he can keep his heavyweight world titles.
As incredible as it sounds, it is highly unlikely to be next or even happen at all. Usyk must face Anthony Joshua in a heavyweight rematch next after the British heavy-hitter triggered his rematch clause.
A return to light heavyweight?
Fighting back up at light heavyweight is also a play that could come into Canelo's thinking and it is something that promoter Bob Arum believes will happen.
A first fight in the UK?
When it comes to light heavyweights, Callum Johnson could be a serious option if he can challenge and defeat WBO world champion Joe Smith Jr. Elsewhere, Anthony Yarde is waiting in the wings for another opportunity to challenge for the WBO belt but it is unknown when he will get the title shot.
Golovkin trilogy
Time is running out for 39-year-old Kazakhstan fighter Gennadiy Golovkin, who last fought in December 2020.
Golovkin was scheduled to fight Japanese star Ryota Murata in a middleweight unification bout on December 29 but it fell through due to Covid-19 rules in Japan meaning GGG was not allowed to enter the country.
They will now meet in April but should GGG win, he'll be keeping an eye on a potential clash against Canelo.
All-Mexican showdown?
He looks like the biggest physical threat to Canelo at super middleweight and according to Floyd Mayweather, he should stop ducking him and give the fans a real fight.