Super middleweight powerhouse Jermall Charlo has publicly challenged undisputed champion Canelo Alvarez, declaring his intent to avenge his brother Jermell Charlo’s September 2023 loss. This direct call-out adds another layer of intrigue to Alvarez’s ongoing discussions with various contenders, including long-standing rival David Benavidez.
Charlo’s bold statement injects fresh tension into the 168-pound division, even as Alvarez grapples with other prominent challengers like David Benavidez. The boxing world now watches to see how the Mexican superstar will respond to yet another high-profile demand for a shot at his coveted titles.
Charlo’s challenging declaration for Canelo Alvarez
Speaking to Fight Hub TV, Jermall Charlo made his intentions clear: “I want to fight Canelo, I want to avenge my brother.” This personal motivation stems from Jermell Charlo’s unanimous decision defeat to Alvarez in Las Vegas, a fight where the then-undisputed super-welterweight champion moved up two weight classes to challenge Canelo.
Jermell Charlo hasn’t fought since that September 2023 bout, suffering a comprehensive loss on the scorecards. His brother Jermall, however, has competed at super-middleweight twice since June 2021, and has recently teased a potential return to action. The prospect of Jermall stepping into the ring with Alvarez offers a compelling narrative of familial retribution.
This challenge comes at a pivotal time for Alvarez, who continues to manage his undisputed status. Canelo’s strategy has often involved meticulous opponent selection, but the growing chorus of challengers like Charlo and Benavidez presents a different kind of pressure. Fans are keen to see how Alvarez will respond to these new threats in the super middleweight division.
The Benavidez shadow over the super middleweight division
While Charlo’s call-out is recent, former super middleweight champion David Benavidez has maintained a relentless pursuit of Canelo Alvarez for years. Benavidez has openly spoken of a “personal vendetta,” believing Alvarez has actively avoided him, thereby “blocking my chance at greatness” and preventing him from contending for all four super middleweight titles.
Benavidez, who has moved up to the light heavyweight division, earned mandatory challenger status for the WBC title at 168 pounds before his move. He’s amassed an impressive undefeated record of 30-0-0 with 24 knockout wins as of March 28, 2025.
Despite his dominance and clear position, the fight with Alvarez has never materialised, much to Benavidez’s vocal frustration. The light heavyweight division itself is seeing increased activity, with discussions around the Bivol title fight location.
His criticism extends to Alvarez’s choice of opponents, with Benavidez stating, “The people that Canelo is picking—we all know they’re not the best. There’s only one guy everyone wants to see Canelo fight, and that’s me.” This sentiment highlights a common fan complaint about Alvarez’s recent fight selections, suggesting he often opts for less challenging matchups.
Canelo’s dismissive stance on persistent challengers
Canelo Alvarez has not been shy in responding to Benavidez’s persistent challenges, often dismissing him as “disrespectful.” On March 28, 2025, Alvarez stated, “He thinks he’s Superman,” adding, “He’s accomplished nothing. And he’s not even a champion. He’s not even in my weight class [168 anymore].”
Alvarez’s posture suggests a fighter confident in his legacy and current position. He has repeatedly asserted, “This point in my career, I can do whatever I want.” This perspective likely informs his decision-making regarding potential opponents, prioritising fights that align with his personal and financial goals rather than succumbing to public pressure or mandatory challenges.
Alvarez’s strategic opponent choices under scrutiny
Canelo Alvarez’s recent fight record includes a twelve-round unanimous decision victory over Jaime Munguía on May 4, 2024, at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada. He also faced William Scull on May 3, 2025, for the undisputed super middleweight title. These bouts have seen him defend his WBA (Super), WBC, WBO, IBF, and The Ring super middleweight titles successfully.
However, Alvarez has drawn criticism for what some perceive as a series of less challenging opponents since his undisputed run. Names like John Ryder, Jermell Charlo (who was moving up in weight), Jaime Munguia, and Edgar Berlanga have all been part of his recent itinerary.
This pattern has fueled the narrative, pushed by Benavidez and others, that Alvarez is avoiding the toughest tests in the division.
Many fans and pundits believe a true test of his current dominance at 168 pounds would be against a natural super middleweight like Benavidez. But Alvarez has reportedly suggested that he may never fight Benavidez, citing weight differences as making the matchup unfair, a claim made as recently as July 2026.
Alvarez’s undisputed status and recent fights
Canelo Alvarez remains the undisputed super-middleweight world champion, a title he successfully defended against Jaime Munguía on May 4, 2024, via unanimous decision. His most recent confirmed bout saw him face William Scull on May 3, 2025, also for the undisputed super middleweight title. These fights underscore his active presence in the division.
Alvarez’s consistent activity in the ring, including these recent title defenses, shows he’s not been absent, but rather actively defending his unified belts. Despite rumors of potential future matchups, including Terence Crawford later in 2025, Canelo has maintained his focus on his super middleweight reign. He continues to navigate a path defined by his own choices.
A changing super middleweight picture
The 168-pound division is clearly a hotbed of activity and anticipation, with a mix of established champions and hungry contenders. The constant call-outs directed at Canelo Alvarez underscore his position as the division’s undeniable kingpin, but also highlight the growing impatience among other elite fighters. The dynamic is shifting, with more voices demanding their shot at the top.
Jermall Charlo’s return and immediate challenge, coupled with Benavidez’s persistent claims, create a fascinating dilemma for Alvarez. He could choose to ignore these calls, as he largely has with Benavidez. Alternatively, he could embrace the challenge and deliver the high-stakes fights the fans crave.
It’s a delicate balance between strategic career management and satisfying public demand.
The landscape includes other compelling matchups happening across various weight classes, demonstrating a packed boxing schedule that keeps fans engaged. This level of activity means Alvarez isn’t the only draw, and other fighters are building their own legacies. This competition potentially puts more pressure on Alvarez to engage with top contenders to maintain his status.
What lies ahead for boxing’s biggest star
The ongoing discussions around Canelo Alvarez’s next moves are more than just about another fight; they’re about his legacy. Any future bout, particularly one against a top contender, would be a statement. A dominant victory would reinforce his claim to the super middleweight throne and perhaps silence some critics.
A less convincing performance, however, might embolden his challengers even further, intensifying calls for him to face the likes of Benavidez or Charlo.
The possibility of Alvarez facing Jermall Charlo hinges on several factors, including Charlo’s activity and performance upon his return. Similarly, a fight with David Benavidez remains one of boxing’s most anticipated matchups, though Alvarez has consistently thrown cold water on its immediate prospects.
The financial allure of such a mega-fight, however, may eventually prove too strong to resist, even for a fighter who insists on doing “whatever I want.”
Ultimately, Canelo Alvarez remains the biggest draw in boxing, and his decisions shape the trajectory of multiple divisions. The coming months will reveal whether he chooses to consolidate his position with calculated defences or embrace the high-risk, high-reward challenges demanded by his most vocal rivals.
Fans are hungry for truly legendary encounters, much like those involving legendary fighters of the past.
