Undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez made a bold move by vacating his IBF title after being ordered by the sanctioning body to defend against their mandatory challenger, William Scull. The decision to vacate the title comes as no surprise, considering the lack of popularity surrounding Scull and the potential financial implications for Canelo in taking on this mandatory defense.
The IBF’s choice to name William Scull as the mandatory challenger for Canelo raises doubts about their decision-making process. With a lackluster resume and minimal fanfare surrounding him, Scull is not the ideal opponent to challenge a superstar like Canelo. This misstep by the IBF has resulted in Canelo relinquishing his IBF title, while still holding onto the WBA, WBC, and WBO 168-lb straps.
While it is commendable for fighters to aim for undisputed champion status, the reality of mandatory challenges can present significant challenges. Fighters like Canelo face the dilemma of either defending against lesser-known opponents or vacating titles to maintain their status and financial standing. The pressure to continuously defend against mandatory challengers who lack pedigree or popularity can hinder a champion’s ability to secure lucrative matchups.
With Canelo no longer holding the IBF title, the focus shifts to potential future opponents for the Mexican superstar. One option could be facing WBA mandatory challenger Edgar Berlanga, a fighter with a similar lack of noteworthy victories and limited exposure. While Berlanga’s popularity in certain regions may attract attention, there are concerns about the quality of his competition and the perception of him as a manufactured fighter.
The boxing world is rife with challenges for champions like Canelo Alvarez when it comes to mandatory challengers. The balance between upholding the prestige of multiple titles and facing lesser-known opponents is a delicate one. As the sport continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how fighters navigate these challenges and maintain their status as elite competitors.