What’s the biggest fight fans are eagerly waiting to see? Without a doubt, it’s the potential showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford that has everyone talking. However, there’s another fight the public wants Canelo to take before facing Crawford—one that could make their eventual clash even more significant and one that could work as a tune-up to the mega showdown. So, who’s the opponent?

Not too long ago, the IBF mandated that Canelo Alvarez defend his titles against his mandatory challenger, William Scull. But since a fight with Scull lacked the commercial appeal of bigger matchups, it never materialized. As a result, the IBF stripped Canelo of his belt. Now, with the Crawford fight reportedly targeted for September, Scull’s name is back in the mix.

Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford: An undisputed affair? 

A bout between Canelo and Scull would allow Canelo to reclaim the IBF title, setting the stage for an undisputed super middleweight clash with Crawford—a fight that could define an era. Though nothing has been made official, the Saudi Boxing Chief’s involvement in the matter has filled the fans with confidence about the potential fight. 

Earlier today, ‘Everything Boxing’ asked its followers on X, “If Canelo were to fight in May before a Terence Crawford clash in September, who would be the best option? [William Scull, Diego Pacheco, Jermall Charlo or Christian Mbilli].” It’s worth noting that ‘Cinnamon’ fights twice a year, with his favorite dates being May [Cinco de Mayo] and September [Mexican Independence Day], which maximizes his gate revenue as well as pay-per-view sales.

With the Crawford fight almost booked for September, fans couldn’t resist urging Canelo to take up Scull as an opponent in May. Interestingly, Scull defeated Vladimir Shishkin of Russia in October last year to secure the IBF belt. While it’s unclear whether Canelo would consider such a matchup, fans surely are.

William Scull becomes the talk of the town

Fans may have scoffed at the idea of Canelo fighting Scull a few months ago, but if it means Crawford could stand a chance of becoming the undisputed super middleweight champion, everyone seems up for it. One user suggested undefeated Christian Mbilli would be an easy fight, but Scull would make more sense. “Mbilli is the easiest of the 4. But Scull brings more to the fight,” the user wrote. Neither boxer appears to have a fight lined up, so if an offer were made, there’s little doubt they would accept.

The next user felt Canelo should fight Scull to collect all the belts and use it as a tune-up fight. “For a tune-up, Scull, which is a good choice in general, so he could have all the belts again,” the user commented. Given Alvarez’s recent performances, Scull shouldn’t really prove too much of a challenge for the Mexican.

Another user had the same idea, but it was to benefit Terence Crawford. “Scull probably so they can do Undisputed for Crawford,” the user wrote. However, for Crawford, the fight itself seems more important than the belts, since Canelo on his own can bring in the money.

Someone else had complete confidence Crawford could beat everyone but argued collecting the IBF belt would make the Crawford fight even bigger. “He beats all of them, but if he faces Scull to become undisputed again, it would make the Bud fight even bigger,” the user wrote. But Canelo might want to have another money maker rather than facilitate Crawford’s potential to become a three-division undisputed champion.

One user suggested fighting Scull would help Canelo Alvarez strategically, but claimed Jermall Charlo would be the bigger payday. “Skull’s Cuban style would help him better prepare for Bud’s movement. Sadly, Jermall would be the bigger payday,” the user wrote. Canelo has already defeated Jermell Charlo, so facing his brother, Jermall Charlo, would bring an added layer of intrigue and a hint of vengeance to the matchup.

That said, it’s worth noting that despite all the chatter a fight between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford has not been confirmed yet. And if it doesn’t all this speculation would be for nothing. Regardless, who do you think would be a great challenge for Canelo before he fights Crawford?