Dmitry Bivol’s rematch is in jeopardy: The untold truth behind Canelo Alvarez’s dream fight plan

Unified super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez has reignited discussions of a potential rematch with former WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol. Their first encounter in May 2022 ended in a shocking upset, with Bivol securing a unanimous decision victory over the Mexican superstar. Despite previous talks of a rematch, the fight has yet to materialize, and the road ahead appears more complicated than ever.

Canelo Alvarez’s Current Plans and the Crawford Factor

Canelo Alvarez is reportedly close to finalizing a deal to face former undisputed welterweight champion Terence Crawford, a dream matchup for many boxing fans. This potential blockbuster fight has taken priority for Alvarez, keeping him in the super middleweight division at 168 lbs.

Meanwhile, Dmitry Bivol has his own commitments. He is scheduled for a rematch with Artur Beterbiev, the undisputed light heavyweight champion, on February 22. This fight carries significant implications for Bivol’s career trajectory and raises questions about when or if a rematch with Alvarez will take place.

Speaking on The Ring Magazine podcast, Alvarez expressed his openness to facing Bivol again. “Yeah, why not? I always think about it. I always have that idea in my mind,” Alvarez stated. However, he acknowledged the logistical challenges, calling it a “tough situation” given the different paths both fighters are pursuing.

Weight Class Discrepancies: The Biggest Obstacle

The key roadblock to the highly anticipated Canelo Alvarez vs. Dmitry Bivol rematch lies in their weight class differences. Bivol has made it clear that he is unlikely to drop down to super middleweight (168 lbs). While Bivol had previously considered this option, he emphasized that his current commitments with Saudi Arabia and Matchroom Boxing make it improbable.

“I don’t have him [Canelo] in my agenda right now. My mind is elsewhere. I have a different path. Maybe in the future, but not anytime soon,” Bivol said in a September 2024 interview with Fight Hub.

On the other hand, Canelo has been reluctant to return to light heavyweight (175 lbs) after his decisive loss to Bivol in their first fight. With his sights set on retaining dominance in the 168 lbs division, Alvarez is unlikely to make another jump in weight soon.

Failed Negotiations and Future Possibilities

The rematch between Canelo Alvarez and Dmitry Bivol has been hampered by previous failed negotiations. Bivol revealed that despite efforts to make the fight happen, both teams were unable to reach an agreement.

“We had the opportunity to do it a couple of years ago, but his team and my team couldn’t come to terms,” Bivol explained.

Adding to the complexity, Bivol’s deal with Saudi Arabia offers lucrative opportunities at light heavyweight, solidifying his focus on that division. He concluded, “I still could make 168 lbs, but my future is with Saudi Arabia and the options I have in my contract with them. I don’t plan to go down to 168 lbs.”

Hope for a Future Clash

While the rematch between Canelo Alvarez and Dmitry Bivol is unlikely to happen in the near future, the door remains open. Both fighters have expressed interest in revisiting the matchup, albeit under the right circumstances.

For now, Canelo’s priority appears to be his potential showdown with Terence Crawford, while Bivol is focused on his rematch with Beterbiev. Whether or not the weight class hurdle can be overcome, fans will continue to debate if Alvarez has what it takes to avenge his loss to Bivol.