Is Canelo Alvarez Still the Undisputed Super Middleweight Champion? IBF Title in Jeopardy
In a twist that could reshape the landscape of boxing’s super middleweight division, Canelo Alvarez’s status as the undisputed champion is under threat. The Mexican superstar, who has reigned supreme since unifying the 168-pound division in 2021, may be on the verge of losing his IBF title due to a controversial decision to forego a mandatory defense.
The IBF’s Decision: A Familiar Pattern
The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has once again shown it does not tolerate deviations from its mandated rules. Reports indicate that the IBF is poised to strip Alvarez of his super middleweight title. This decision mirrors the federation’s actions from the previous year when they stripped Terence Crawford of his welterweight title for not defending against Jaron Ennis. Now, Alvarez faces a similar fate, with the IBF potentially removing him from their championship ranks due to his decision to fight Edgar Berlanga instead of the IBF mandatory challenger, William Scull.
Alvarez is set to defend his WBC, WBA, and WBO titles against Berlanga on September 14 at a highly anticipated event in Las Vegas. However, if the IBF follows through with their reported plans, only these three belts will be on the line, and Alvarez’s quest for undisputed supremacy could face a significant setback. Berlanga, if victorious, would become a unified champion but not an undisputed one.
Canelo Alvarez: A Journey at Risk
Canelo Alvarez’s journey to becoming an undisputed champion has been nothing short of remarkable. Since unifying the super middleweight titles in 2021, Alvarez has defended his belts successfully against top contenders. His impressive track record and skillset have solidified his reputation as one of boxing’s finest. But the shift in focus away from IBF mandatory William Scull has raised questions about his undisputed status.
Michael Benson recently tweeted, “Canelo Alvarez has seemingly been stripped of/vacated his IBF super-middleweight world title as he is not fighting IBF mandatory William Scull next.” This tweet was corroborated by ESPN’s Mike Coppinger, who noted that the upcoming Alvarez-Berlanga bout would only feature the WBO, WBA, and WBC titles.
Michael Benson‘s tweet read, “Canelo Alvarez has seemingly been stripped of/vacated his IBF super-middleweight world title as he is not fighting IBF mandatory William Scull next.”
William Scull: The IBF’s Mandate
William Scull, an unbeaten fighter from Cuba now based in Berlin, has earned his position as the IBF’s mandatory challenger with a solid performance record. His recent victory over Sean Hemphill at Alvarez’s Cinco de Mayo headline card has further cemented his status. The IBF is reportedly considering scheduling a fight between Scull and Vladimir Shishkin, another unbeaten contender from Russia, for the now-vacant IBF super middleweight title.
This development echoes the recent move in the heavyweight division, where Oleksandr Usyk vacated his IBF title shortly after becoming the undisputed champion. This led to Daniel Dubois being elevated to full champion status, further illustrating the IBF’s uncompromising stance on title defenses.
A Recurring Theme: IBF’s Rigorous Enforcement
The IBF’s rigorous enforcement of mandatory defenses has become a recurring theme in recent years. Last year, Terence Crawford’s brief reign as a two-division undisputed champion was cut short when the IBF stripped him of his welterweight title. The IBF’s decision was influenced by Crawford’s inability to comply with their mandatory defense requirements due to a rematch clause with Errol Spence Jr., a scenario the IBF does not consider a valid excuse.
This precedent highlights the IBF’s commitment to enforcing its rules strictly, irrespective of the broader boxing landscape or existing contractual obligations. As a result, Crawford’s title was handed to Jaron Ennis, illustrating the federation’s strict adherence to its policies.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Canelo Alvarez?
As Alvarez prepares for his September 14 bout against Berlanga, the implications of potentially losing his IBF title loom large. The possibility of Alvarez being stripped of the IBF belt adds a layer of complexity to his quest for dominance in the super middleweight division. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds and what it means for Alvarez’s legacy as an undisputed champion.
Will Alvarez manage to retain his undisputed status despite the IBF’s stance, or will the federation’s decision lead to a significant shift in the super middleweight division? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the drama surrounding Alvarez and the IBF will continue to capture the boxing world’s attention.
