Errol Spence Jr has weighed in on the career of Saul ‘Canelo’ Álvarez, providing what he thinks is the best route to continued success.
Canelo is fresh off a homecoming fight against John Ryder – a knockdown and clear unanimous decision over the Brit delighting 60,000 Mexican fans.
With that defence of his undisputed 167lb title out the road, thoughts turn to the rest of the year and whether or not he can get a second crack at Dmitry Bivol up at 175 following a loss last year.
Spence, the unified welterweight champ, told ES News that Canelo should give up on his light heavyweight campaign, avoiding both a rematch with Bivol and another potential title challenge against Artur Beterbiev.
“I think he should stay away from Bivol. Stay away from Beterbiev too, go back to 168lb and handle your business because 175lb is pushing it. I don’t think his power really affecting Bivol at 175lb like it would at a lower weight.”
Spence would rather see Canelo defend his belts at super middleweight, and he believes – as do many fans – that David Benavidez is the ideal dance partner.
“That would be a good a** fight because they’re going to be right there with each other. Canelo is probably more slicker, but that would be a good fight.”
Despite the advice, it looks like the Mexican superstar continues to aim for Bivol.
He wants the fight for September, however an ongoing dispute about the weight – Canelo wants light heavy, Bivol wants super middle – may see the second fight harder to make than once thought.