By Felix Jesus Mendoza
The name of Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez undoubtedly resonates in the books of world boxing, not only in his country, and this is recognized by his compatriot and president of the World Boxing Council (WBC), Mauricio Sulaimanwho detailed once again the qualities of the fighter from Guadalajara and the capabilities it has to face the best in the world.
“Canelo can beat any fighter,” said the boss of the WBC in a exclusive interview for La Opinión.
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Sulaimán takes into account that Canelo Álvarez has achieved great things in professional boxing, but since his defeat against Terence Crawford, the panorama has changed for the man from Guadalajara.
“He lost to Crawford on a very complicated night, in which Saúl Álvarez was not in the ring”Sulaimán reflected in the conversation with journalist Ricardo López Juárez.
The passing of time and the taking of life itself
Saúl Álvarez, 35 years old, has been world champion in different categories and absolute monarch of super middleweight, losing all his belts against the American Terence Crawford in September 2025but he is ready to return, although the outlook does not seem to be the same as always, due to his age and the passage of time with accumulated injuries.
“The cycle of life does not forgive, ‘Canelo’ has been in professional boxing for many years, 20 years, 14 as world champion and the reality is that he has been so professional, so consistent, he fights and after a week or two weeks he is back in the gym”said Sulaimán.
The Mexican businessman believes that there is much left to see in Canelo’s career, although not with the same intensity as always, claiming that he is in his last fights. “He is an exemplary boxer who matured a lot and time will take its toll, we don’t know if we have already seen the best of Canelo, I feel that he still has a lot to give, but he is in his final stage.”
Sulaimán confirms fight for WBC belt
In the midst of many speculations about who will be Álvarez’s next rival in his return to the ring in 2026, Mauricio Sulaimán did not hold anything back and in La Opinión commented that the Jalisco native would fight for the WBC super middleweight title, which means that Canelo will fight against Christian Mbilli.
“He will fight in September for the world titleafter a couple of fights and he has many options Benavidez, Charlo or the rematch with Crawford who cowardly retired, Bivol or Beterbiev”, the WBC leader was blunt and the only thing left is the confirmation of this fight which will be on September 12 in Saudi Arabia.
“Canelo is a fighter of the era, a fighter who will remain in history, but I am sure that there will still be Canelo for a while,” concluded Mauricio Sulaimán about Canelo’s legacy in boxing.
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