Canelo Alvarez could land an immediate world title shot against a newly-crowned champion when he returns to action on September 12.
The 35-year-old is set to headline a show in Saudi Arabia, with boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh having recently revealed the date and location.
Along with that, Alalshikh has promised to deliver a world title fight, most likely at 168lbs, despite Canelo coming off a defeat to Terence Crawford last September.
Before their super-middleweight clash, many felt that Alvarez’s natural physical advantages would prove too much for ‘Bud’, who was moving up from 154lbs after dethroning Israil Madrimov.
But instead, Crawford was able to claim a convincing points victory in Las Vegas, becoming a three-division undisputed champion before announcing his retirement in December.
Following his exit from the sport, several of the top contenders at 168lbs have been jostling for their opportunity to become a world champion.
Both Jose Armando Resendiz and Christian Mbilli have since been upgraded from interim to full WBA and WBC champion, respectively.
Mbilli, in particular, has expressed his desire to face Canelo later this year, telling Fight Hub TV and several other media outlets that he could soon defend his WBC strap against the Mexican.
“Now I’m the guy that everybody wants to fight because they want the belt, but I will be ready.”
“[I admire what he has] achieved in his career, he’s a very good fighter, and I hope I’m going to fight him very soon.”
Given Canelo’s history with the WBC, and his still favourable ranking, it’s highly unlikely that the sanctioning body would stand in the way of the defence.
Mbilli comes off an enthralling 10-round draw with Lester Martinez, which featured on the undercard of Canelo-Crawford last year. Many fans, and Crawford himself, want to see a rematch against Martinez.