Key Highlights
- Canelo Álvarez has one fight remaining on his four-fight, $180 million contract with promoter Turki Alalshikh.
- The fourth opponent for a fight planned for February or March 2027 has not yet been confirmed.
- Lester Martínez, Hamzah Sheeraz and Willy Hutchinson are being considered as possible opponents.
Canelo Álvarez plans to continue his career beyond 2027 fight
Canelo Álvarez is expected to remain active beyond the final bout of his current contract, according to Eddy Reynoso, the Mexican champion’s trainer and manager. Álvarez has one fight left from the four-fight agreement he signed with promoter Turki Alalshikh, a deal reported to be worth $180 million, and Reynoso indicated that the contract will soon be renewed.
Álvarez’s four-fight run has included a victory over William Scull, a defeat against Terence Crawford and a win over Christian Mbili. The identity of his fourth opponent remains unconfirmed, although the fight is scheduled for February or March 2027. Reynoso told La Afición that the bout will not mark the end of Álvarez’s boxing career.
“It’s the last one, but we’re going to renew. There are very good plans for Saúl, he already spoke with Turki, and there are good prospects for him to continue his career, he said.
Lester Martínez, Hamzah Sheeraz and Willy Hutchinson emerge as options
Three fighters are being discussed as potential opponents for Canelo Álvarez: Lester Martínez, Hamzah Sheeraz and Willy Hutchinson, according to the specialized outlet TalkSport. Martínez was initially viewed as the leading candidate and was reportedly seeking recognition as the mandatory challenger for the World Boxing Council.
Reports indicate, however, that Turki Alalshikh may prefer Hamzah Sheeraz as the opponent for Álvarez’s next scheduled fight. A third possibility could be Willy Hutchinson, who has acknowledged that discussions about a potential matchup with Álvarez have taken place.
Reynoso also confirmed that Hutchinson is under consideration. “Yes, he is definitely an option for Canelo. We’ll see,” Reynoso himself told ESPN Knockout.
Willy Hutchinson welcomes potential Canelo Álvarez fight
Hutchinson said on TalkSport that he had received a call regarding a possible fight with Álvarez and that he was prepared to accept the challenge. He also discussed the size and age difference he perceives between the two fighters.
“I have received a call about it. I am ready for it. I would definitely welcome that one with open arms. I think he is too small and too old. I think I would punch his head off,” he said.
Hutchinson referred to Álvarez’s previous fight against Dmitry Bivol while assessing the potential matchup. “He messed with Bivol and made that mistake. He’s facing a 28-year-old fighter, ready to give it his all,” Hutchinson recalled.
Why This Matters
The situation leaves Canelo Álvarez’s next opponent unresolved while confirming that his professional plans extend beyond the final fight of his current agreement with Turki Alalshikh. Lester Martínez’s possible mandatory-challenger route, Alalshikh’s reported interest in Hamzah Sheeraz and Hutchinson’s willingness to fight all remain relevant as the February or March 2027 bout takes shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fights remain on Canelo Álvarez’s current contract?
Canelo Álvarez has one fight remaining on his four-fight contract with Turki Alalshikh, which is worth $180 million.
When is Canelo Álvarez expected to fight next under the agreement?
The fourth fight is scheduled for February or March 2027, but the opponent has not been confirmed.
Who are the possible opponents for Canelo Álvarez?
The reported candidates are Lester Martínez, Hamzah Sheeraz and Willy Hutchinson.
