It seems that the Mexican Canelo Alvarez (58-2-2, 39 KOs) and his team have already decided that the second fight in 2023, most likely in mid-September, will be held again against Russian light heavyweight Dmitry Bivol (21-0, 11 KOs).
According to boxer’s trainer/manager Eddie Reynoso, this is “really wanted by Alvarez”, who before that will probably go to the UK to defend the title of absolute super middleweight champion (up to 76.2 kg) against Briton John Ryder.
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At the same time, it is not yet clear in what weight the Canelo-Bivol rematch will take place: in super middle or light heavyweight, as the first fight in May last year, which unexpectedly ended with Dmitry’s victory on points.
British promoter Eddie Hearn, who works closely with the Mexican, said that Alvarez himself would like to try to fight Bivol in light heavyweight again, but only if this does not threaten his absolute championship of 76.2 kg.
“The discussion is about whether the fight will take place at 79.4 kg or at 76.2 kg,” Hearn said. Canelo doesn’t want to lose his 76.2kg titles, so a lot will depend on the position of the sanctioning organizations. But as far as I know Canelo, he wants to fight at 79.4 kg. And Bivol, who is interested in belts and heritage, made it clear that he could go down to 76.2 kg.”
At the same time, Eddie is clearly leaning towards a 76.2 kg revenge:
“In relation to Alvarez, it would be unfair to rise again at 79.4 kg, because he has already done this before. He himself will not call it dishonest, but if the fight takes place at 76.2 kg, this will allow Bivol to become the undisputed super middleweight champion. If Bivol wins, he will be able to return to light heavyweight and fight for the absolute with Beterbiev already there. And if he loses, he will still be able to fight Beterbiev for the absolute championship of 79.4 kg. This is an incredible opportunity for Dimitri.”
In general, Hearn believes that Canelo is taking a big risk by insisting on a rematch with Bivol.