Canelo Alvarez rules out blockbuster showdown with pound-for-pound star, as Mexican great claims he would have ‘everything to lose and nothing to gain’

Mexican icon Canelo Alvarez has ruled out taking on a fellow pound-for-pound superstar in his next fight.

Canelo is due to return to the ring in May on Cinco de Mayo weekend after beating Jermell Charlo in his last fight in September. 

However, the undisputed super-middleweight world champion is yet to reveal who he will be facing.

Welterweight king Terence Crawford, widely regarded as the best boxer on the planet, has called for a fight with Canelo, stating he would be willing to step up three divisions to test himself against the 33-year-old. But Canelo has dismissed Crawford as a potential opponent as he feels he would not get any credit for beating the American.

‘I have everything to lose and nothing to gain because if I win, they’ll say, “Oh, he was too small”,’ Canelo told Box Azteca as he discussed the prospect of facing Crawford.

Crawford is a three-weight world champion, having started his career at lightweight before moving through the weight classes.

He is now 36, but looked better than ever in his last bout as he outclassed welterweight rival Errol Spence before stopping him in the ninth round.

That performance may have convinced some that he could give Canelo a run for his money, despite the Mexican having a clear size advantage, having previously fought at light-heavyweight.

But Canelo has rejected the idea of getting in the ring with Crawford any time soon.

Cinco de Mayo weekend is now just 11 weeks away, and Canelo is expected to name his opponent for that date shortly.

He has spoken about being reluctant to face a fellow Mexican, leaving it unlikely that he takes on the undefeated David Benavidez.

Jermall Charlo, the brother of Jermell, has been mooted as a likely option, but he has fought just once since June 2021, and could be viewed as an underwhelming choice by fans.