Disputed Decision: The IBF’s Stance

The reign of Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez as the undisputed super middleweight champion has come to a contentious end, following the International Boxing Federation’s decision to strip him of the IBF title. The Mexican star, known for his formidable presence across multiple weight classes, failed to honour a mandatory title defence against the unbeaten William Scull, leading to this significant development. Instead, Alvarez opted to face Edgar Berlanga in a high-profile bout set for September 14 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

In a formal statement, the IBF clarified, “Saul Alvarez’s mandatory defense of the IBF Super Middleweight title is overdue. Therefore, the bout scheduled for September 14, 2024, is not in compliance with the noted rule.” The federation underscored the importance of maintaining an active titleholder and stressed the value of the undisputed champion status, acknowledging Alvarez’s and his team’s decision to prioritise the Berlanga fight over the mandated defence.

The Sequence of Events

The timeline of events leading to this decision is telling. On May 13, the IBF ordered Alvarez to face Scull, with a purse bid scheduled for June 6. However, on June 4, a postponement was requested by Hagen Doering, representing Scull. Eddie Reynoso, Alvarez’s trainer, agreed to the delay. Despite both parties later indicating an agreement had been reached, the details were not disclosed to the IBF. This led to further complications when Alvarez’s team requested an exception to fight Berlanga instead.

The IBF’s regulations are explicit. As they noted, “Once the IBF has sent out the notice of the date of the purse bid, or once a contract has been signed for a mandatory bout, no request for an exception can be made.” The organisation’s decision was further cemented by a meeting on July 19, where the board of directors concluded that the request for an optional bout against Berlanga should not be considered.

Alvarez’s Legacy and Future

Despite this setback, Alvarez’s legacy in the super middleweight division remains formidable. Since claiming the RING, WBA, and WBC titles with a victory over Callum Smith in December 2020, he has consistently demonstrated his dominance. His victory over Billy Joe Saunders added the WBO belt to his collection, and his triumph over Caleb Plant unified the division fully in November 2021. Alvarez’s tenure as an undisputed champion saw him defend his titles four times, a record in the four-belt era for male boxers.

As Alvarez prepares to face Berlanga, his remaining titles—RING, WBA, and WBC—will be on the line. Berlanga, ranked ninth at 168 by The Ring and the WBA’s mandatory challenger, presents a significant challenge. Meanwhile, the vacant IBF title is expected to be contested between Scull and the highly-rated Vladimir Shishkin, setting the stage for a new chapter in the super middleweight division.

The Super Middleweight Landscape

The super middleweight division continues to evolve, with several notable contenders vying for supremacy. David Benavidez, ranked number one by The Ring, has vacated his interim WBC belt to campaign at light heavyweight. Diego Pacheco, another rising star, remains the WBO’s top-rated contender but has not been named as a mandatory challenger. His next bout is scheduled for August 31 in Carson, California.

As the dust settles on this latest chapter, Alvarez’s focus will undoubtedly shift to maintaining his status as one of the sport’s elite. His journey has been marked by remarkable achievements and resilience, and his upcoming bout with Berlanga promises to be another pivotal moment in his illustrious career.

In conclusion, while the loss of the IBF title marks a significant moment in Alvarez’s career, it is far from the end. His pursuit of greatness continues, and the boxing world eagerly anticipates his next move. As the super middleweight landscape shifts, Alvarez’s place in it remains a compelling narrative, full of intrigue and anticipation.