Canelo Alvarez has held boxing world title belts for much of the last decade of his career. The Mexican has established himself as one of the greatest fighters of his generation after winning titles in many weight classes from lightweight up to super middleweight.
However, Canelo has suffered a decline in recent years, and that has been met by a switch to the Premier Boxing Champions promotion. With the PBC he will likely focus on fights within the promotion, and his days of difficult fights with his long-term rivals could be winding down to a close.
But what does the future hold for the Mexican legend? Both in the remainder of his professional career and beyond?
New era with the PBC
Canelo signing with the PBC is a huge indicator of his intentions, and perhaps an acknowledgement that his peak fighting days have passed.
The PBC is still a massive promotion worldwide, but they do not tend to put on the same level of fights that the likes of Matchroom Boxing would. Canelo's opening fight against Jermell Charlo is a sign of things to come.
The Mexican's opponent has been inactive for almost two years, which means the bout should represent nothing more than a routine victory for Canelo. In Canelo vs. Charlo betting, the former is a heavy 1/4 favourite to open his PBC era with a win. An early stoppage is also likely according to boxing betting, Canelo to win by knockout or technical knockout is offered at 11/4.
UNDISPUTED vs UNDISPUTED
????️ Sept. 30
????Las Vegas pic.twitter.com/pAlSN5VszU— Canelo Alvarez (@Canelo) June 30, 2023
The Mexican's first fight for the PBC is being hailed as two undisputed champions meeting in a tense contest. However, this is slightly misleading considering Charlo has not fought for the 17 months leading up to the fight. Charlo also did not face the calibre of opponents that Canelo did, in order to earn his belts.
The fact for the PBC this is a huge fight suggests that Canelo's domination of the promotion should be customary. It is of course still possible that cross-promotion fights could occur, especially as there will be challengers that wish to compete to steal Canelo's belts. But in general, the switch to the PBC should help to preserve the Mexican's career and protect his legacy.
It is foreseeable that Canelo could not face a single defeat in the remainder of his career. But where could he venture beyond his professional boxing days?
Exhibitions beyond retirement
It is possible that Canelo could take a similar path that Floyd Mayweather Jr. has taken post-retirement. The Mexican could take on one-off exhibition matches which would offer significant payouts.
UFC great Conor McGregor has called out the Mexican numerous times in the past, so it is certainly a possibility that Canelo could follow the route of inviting former MMA champions to the ring, once his primary boxing career is done.
“The Law of Attraction … It is the belief that you are able to create whatever situation that you want for yourself, and no one can take it from you. It is believing something is already yours, and then doing whatever you have to so that it comes true.” – Conor McGregor pic.twitter.com/RzSV5R1nfr
— The Mac Life (@TheMacLife) September 5, 2023
Another area that Canelo could enter is the influencer boxing market. The likes of Jake Paul have called out the Mexican in recent times – who gave encouragement that he would be willing for a post-retirement fight in response.
Ultimately, Canelo's legacy is secured, but now with the PBC he can build his win rate further and close out his career without any major hurdles – an initial three-fight deal could well be extended if the Mexican is successful while contracted to the promotion.
From then on his marketability means he could earn a significant income beyond retirement in potential one-off bouts.