It’s been a week since Terence Crawford defeated Canelo Alvarez. Yet the echoes of that fight, the gritty punches, and the tension still linger beyond Allegiant Stadium. Crawford delivered a masterful display of boxing, forcing Canelo to fight on his terms. What surprised many was Crawford’s effectiveness in the pockets, an area where Canelo usually excels. On fight night, the Nebraskan southpaw outboxed him across the field. Canelo’s famous body shots failed to make an impact.

Now, all eyes turn to the future of Canelo Alvarez. Fans and pundits are keenly speculating on what the Mexican superstar will do next. Despite the loss, Canelo remains one of boxing’s biggest representatives. As the WBC’s number-one-ranked contender, he must work his way back to regain his former glory. The super middleweight division offers options, but they are tough and daunting. A rematch with Terence Crawford could restore his title and secure another multi-million-dollar payday. Award-winning trainer Robert Garcia recently shared his thoughts on Canelo’s path forward.

Canelo Alvarez at a crossroads

Currently, Canelo is the proverbial ‘big guy’ without belts. Fighters like David Morrell, who previously held the super middleweight interim title before moving to light heavyweight, may present fresh challenges. So the Boxing Scene host asked Garcia, “It is a sea of killers. Canelo’s got to get through at least one or two of them to get there. Does he want to do that at his stage in his career, Robert?”

Garcia, who won the IBF super featherweight title in the 1990s, felt Canelo does. “I think he wants the rematch because it generates a lot of money,” he said. Updating his camp with a new trainer or staff could renew interest in the fight. But the division has quite a few young, talented, and dangerous fighters. They pose a serious threat.

So what concerned Garcia most was Canelo’s apparent lack of hunger. He suggested it might be better if Canelo avoids facing fighters like Christian M’billi, Lester Martinez, Hamzah Sheeraz, or Diego Pacheco. “Because it doesn’t mean anything for him,” Garcia explained. What else then? “He’s just going to look for that big fight, the rematch if he can. And if not, maybe retire.”

If Crawford vacates his titles, M’billi and Martinez could compete for the top spot, leaving Canelo third in line.

Canelo’s lapses let Crawford call the shots

Earlier, speaking with Fight Hub TV, Garcia appeared visibly disappointed with Canelo’s performance in Las Vegas. He had expected Crawford to win on points. But he did not anticipate a subpar display from Canelo. Moreover, he comes from Mexico, a country famed for gritty, never-say-die fighters who fight till the end.

“He didn’t even try,” Garcia lamented, before adding, “He never changed the game plan, never tried anything different. Always kept the same rhythm. Even though he was losing, still looking for that left to the body with no, you know, from far, you know, opening up, keeping his chin up, you know, he’s never been in those situations.

Much now depends on Crawford’s next move. Regarding a second fight with Canelo, Crawford remained noncommittal. “I don’t know; I have to talk with my team. I just fought two days ago, and the fight is still fresh. I want to go home and relax. My birthday is in two weeks, and I want to enjoy this victory for now,” the three-division undisputed champion told ESPN.

Fans will have to wait and watch how things unfold for Canelo. Under the Riyadh Season deal, out of the four, he still has two fights remaining. One of these could serve as a preparatory bout before he finally faces Crawford in a potential swan song.

What is your take on Robert Garcia’s observations?