Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez could find himself back in the world title picture should he choose to accept the IBF’s recent order.
The Mexican icon lost his four super middleweight belts to Terence Crawford in September, ending his five-year reign in the division with his third defeat in 68 fights.
Though he made it clear that he would pursue a rematch with Crawford, the American pound-for-pound star halted any such plans by announcing his retirement from the sport.
Remaining highly ranked in the 168lbs weight class, it was always clear that Alvarez would not struggle to land himself another shot at one of the belts once they were scattered by Crawford vacating.
The first opportunity to do so has now been made available by the IBF, who, according to promoter Camille Estephan, have ordered a fight between the former undisputed champion and rising Cuban contender Osleys Iglesias.
IBF officially ordered: Iglesias vs Canelo.
The next chapter begins. 🥊 Parlons de bien finir l’année! #EottmArmy#NousCombattonsEnsemblepic.twitter.com/689DQ1dGSb— Camille Estephan (@EstephanCamille) December 30, 2025
Southpaw Iglesias, promoted by Estephan’s Eye of the Tiger Management, is 14-0 with 13 knockouts, having most recently stopped Vladimir Shishkin inside eight rounds in September.
Official word from the IBF, as well as a timeline for negotiations, is yet to come. It also remains to be seen whether or not Canelo’s team decide to participate, as they may be in the market for a bigger name.
Elsewhere in the division, Hamzah Sheeraz has gained a strong position having been ordered by both the WBC and WBO to fight for the vacant belts. Queensberry Promotions must now decide which route their fighter will take — face Christian Mbilli for the WBC strap or Diego Pacheco for the WBO.