by Author Rooks/ Boxing Contributor

Undisputed super middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez may have his next opponent lined up. AGON Sports & Events, promoter of William Scull, has announced that the IBF has ordered a fight between Alvarez and Scull, with both camps having four weeks to negotiate and avoid a purse bid. Scull, boasting an undefeated record of 22-0 with 9 KOs, is a relatively obscure name in the current boxing landscape. However, his victory over Evgeny Shvedenko in a final title eliminator in July 2022 secured his status as a mandatory challenger for the IBF belt.

Despite his credentials, Scull does not carry the same weight as other high-profile fighters like David Benavidez (WBC) and David Morrell (WBA), who have also been touted as potential opponents for Alvarez. Recently, Alvarez dismissed the idea of fighting Benavidez unless offered a staggering $200 million, even as speculation swirled about other possible matchups, including Jermall Charlo and Edgar Berlanga.

Alvarez’s interest in a fight with Berlanga remains notable, especially since Berlanga was surprisingly promoted from No. 7 to No. 1 in the WBA rankings after defeating the little-known Padraig McCrory. With Morrell’s recent move to light heavyweight and the WBA creating a secondary title for his upcoming fight, Berlanga has emerged as Alvarez’s mandatory challenger under the WBA.

This situation puts Alvarez in a tough spot: he must decide whether to pursue the more lucrative Berlanga fight, potentially bypassing the IBF’s mandatory Scull, or face the risk of being stripped of his IBF title and losing his undisputed status at 168 pounds. Alvarez’s next move will be closely watched as it could significantly impact his standing in the super middleweight division and the trajectory of his storied career.