Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez expects to return in the first half of 2027 following his win over Christian Mbilli late last month.

Canelo entered the ring after a year of inactivity, looking to bounce back from defeat to Terence Crawford. He did just that, comfortably outpointing 31-year-old champion Mbilli – who had been elevated from interim to full WBC champion – to win back his old title.

Alvarez is unlikely to be successful in his attempts to draw Crawford out of retirement for a rematch, so will look to other active champions and contenders for the final fight on his current Riyadh Season contract.

Despite a previous statement that he would be remaining in the super-middleweight division, an opportunity to visit light-heavyweight for the third time in his career may instead present itself.

Speaking to ESPN Knockout, Alvarez’s trainer and manager, Eddy Reynoso, was asked about the potential of facing new WBC champion at 175lbs, Willy Hutchison.

“Yes, without a doubt [Hutchison is an option for Canelo]. We’ll see. I’ve been analysing his fight and I’ve been following him for a few fights. I think it’s a fight where we can be very strong and beat him. He’s also the WBC champion. Let’s see what happens.”

David Benavidez relinquished the WBC belt at 175 to continue his campaign at cruiserweight, where he holds two of the four major titles and has a chance to win a third next month.

Hutchison – who lost to Buatsi in their first encounter – took a unanimous decision this past weekend to win the vacant title. The Scot has called out the likes of Ben Whittaker and Anthony Yarde for his first defence, although a money-spinning encounter with the sport’s biggest star in Canelo may trump both.

The WBC would likely approve the fight immediately given Canelo’s legacy, and his status as active champion in the lower division.