As the boxing world eagerly awaits news of Canelo Alvarez’s next fight, his manager and trainer, Eddy Reynoso, hacs revealed two potential contenders for the Mexican superstar’s return in May. While Canelo’s name has been prominently linked to a potential showdown with Terence Crawford in September, there is still uncertainty about his opponent for the traditional Cinco de Mayo weekend fight.
The May Date: A Tradition for Canelo Alvarez
Cinco de Mayo weekend has become synonymous with Canelo Alvarez’s big boxing events. The unified super-middleweight champion, known for his incredible skill and dominance in the ring, typically returns to the ring during this time. Canelo’s upcoming May fight is no exception, though his opponent is still to be confirmed. Eddy Reynoso, Canelo’s trusted manager, recently shared his thoughts with TVAzteca.com on the fighters in the running for the highly anticipated match-up.
“Well, there are several options,” Reynoso explained. “There is William Scull, and there is also [Christian] Mbilli, who I think lives in Canada. These are the ones that exist right now, but there is nothing concrete yet.”
While the excitement around Canelo’s return builds, Reynoso also mentioned that discussions about a potential fight with Crawford for September are ongoing, though no final agreements have been made. Fans are eagerly awaiting more updates from Canelo’s camp as the Cinco de Mayo fight date draws near.
William Scull: The IBF Champion and A Path to Undisputed Glory
One of the top contenders for Canelo’s May return is William Scull, a 23-0 (9 KOs) Cuban fighter who recently captured the IBF super-middleweight title. Scull won the vacant IBF belt last October, defeating Vladimir Shishkin in a hard-fought points victory. Canelo was stripped of the IBF title three months earlier after failing to defend it against Scull, the mandatory challenger.
With Scull now holding the IBF title, the prospect of Canelo regaining his position as the undisputed super-middleweight champion is very much alive. Scull’s rise to prominence makes him a strong candidate for a fight with Canelo, giving the Mexican star an opportunity to reclaim his previous undisputed status.
Christian Mbilli: The High-Risk, High-Reward Option
Another potential opponent for Canelo in May is the undefeated Christian Mbilli, a French-Cameroonian fighter with an impressive record of 28-0 (23 KOs). Mbilli, who is currently ranked No. 1 by Ring Magazine at super-middleweight, is known for his aggressive, front-foot style and heavy hands. His recent win over veteran Sergiy Derevyanchenko showcased his potential as a future title contender, and he has previously dispatched opponents like Mark Heffron with ease.
Mbilli is considered a more dangerous opponent for Canelo, given his power and pressure-fighting style. However, his lack of name recognition compared to other top fighters might make him a more unpredictable but potentially rewarding challenge.
Reports indicate that Mbilli is in talks for an IBF final eliminator bout against Kevin Lele Sadjo, but he is likely to abandon those plans should Canelo come calling. A fight between Canelo and Mbilli would surely be a spectacle, but it is unclear whether the Frenchman will be selected as Canelo’s opponent for the May return.
What’s Next for Canelo Alvarez?
As of now, Canelo’s May opponent has not been finalized, but the options presented by Reynoso provide fans with two intriguing possibilities. Whether he faces William Scull in an effort to reclaim the undisputed super-middleweight title or takes on the risky challenge posed by Christian Mbilli, one thing is for certain: Canelo’s return promises to be an exciting event in the world of boxing.
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