Benavidez vs....

[Spicoli]

Think Bivol v Beterbiev III has the green light and contracted should be next. Unfortunately, Turki publicly shut down Benavidez v Bivol talk even though it's a commonsense 'big' fight. Canelo is in a weird unfamiliar spot now. I see only a rematch route for him, and it would be totally understandable. He signed himself away and as far as Turki is concerned he "owes" him another 3 fights. Safe to say they won't be gimmes or centered around a proper build back unless a belt is vacated for him to pick up for rematch. That's massive coming off a huge L and at his career point, let's just be honest. He may be a cash cow but it's the set up to be milked hand over fist right now.

That being the case, I hope Turki plays hardball. No gimmies, like you said. Goodness knows there have been enough of those. But alas, a boxing star in the twilight of his career isn't likely to change his M.O. Not even for Turki.
Canelo will look to preserve his (cough) legacy and his pretty face for Hollywood and the ESPN documentaries.

I don't know what they were thinking repeating that Canelo would be fighting again in February (assuming they also considered it would be off an L) but looks like he's out until at least mid 2026 with elbow surgery. I'm half thinking they're just looking at Canelo as a huge flaming torch to pass and squeeze him dry. Keep seeing mentions of a Sheeraz fight upon return but seriously don't think Canelo will walk back into that off surgery. Guess it all depends on how the contract plays out. Looking big picture it sucks that Benavidez has fallen in line with fighting over in SA. Considering the mass Mexican fan base is starving for 'the next' big attraction with Canelo hitting the exit door, and here we are with Benavidez and Bam Rodriquez in imo a massive 'mega-fight' unification both stuffed over in the afternoon golf tournament arena