Super Middleweight: Alvarez Reclaims Belt, Eyes Rematches

Canelo Alvarez regained the WBC super middleweight title on Saturday with a dominant 12-round unanimous decision over Christian Mbilli. The victory solidifies Alvarez's position at the top of the 168-pound division, even as he may not hold all four major belts in the weight class. At 36 years old, the fighter faces a choice between chasing undisputed status again or focusing on erasing past defeats.

The bout showcased Alvarez's technical precision against a more aggressive opponent. Mbilli threw 202 more total punches than Alvarez, but landed at a much lower rate of 17.5 percent, according to CompuBox statistics. Alvarez landed 31.3 percent of his total punches and connected on 41.9 percent of his power shots, compared to 26.5 percent for Mbilli. The performance suggests Alvarez remains the standard setter in the division despite his age.

Alvarez has repeatedly stated that he has only a handful of fights left in his career. This context makes a third pursuit of undisputed status seem less efficient than seeking specific rematches. Two former rivals stand out as potential targets: Dmitry Bivol and Terence Crawford. Alvarez lost to Bivol in 2022 and to Crawford in 2025. Both fighters have since retired or moved to different weight classes, but interest in a reunion persists.

A second fight with Bivol appears more feasible. Bivol defends his WBA, WBO, and IBF light heavyweight titles against Callum Smith in December. He has expressed willingness to drop to 168 pounds for a rematch, though Alvarez prefers to fight at 175 pounds. A return from Crawford, who retired after beating Alvarez, seems less likely as he appears settled in his post-boxing life.

The path to redemption is not straightforward. Alvarez lost by unanimous decision to both Bivol and Crawford in their previous encounters. Unlike Mbilli, who presses forward, both Bivol and Crawford are technicians who control distance and counterattack. Alvarez has not scored a knockout since November 2021 and recorded only three knockdowns in his last nine bouts. His footwork and upper-body movement remained sharp against Mbilli, but it remains unclear if that is enough to overcome the defensive styles of Bivol and Crawford.

If neither rematch materializes, Alvarez may turn to an unconventional big-money bout with Jake Paul, who has expressed interest in testing his skills. Alvarez told ESPN Deportes in late September that he has accomplished everything he possibly could in his 21-year career. The decision between a technical rematch and a lucrative exhibition will define the final chapter of his career.

Alvarez's record now stands at 64-3-2 with 39 knockouts. His immediate schedule remains open, pending discussions with either Bivol or Crawford. The boxing world waits to see which opponent Alvarez selects for his next chapter.