A quick glance at boxing rankings, and the landscape depicts a different picture than it did a week ago. In the super middleweight division, the champion’s row has only one name: Terence Crawford. The WBA and WBC’s format lists Jose Armando Resendiz and Christian M’billi as interim title holders. What stands out is the number one name in the contender’s list. Right after M’billi, WBC’s first-ranked contender is Canelo Alvarez. Until a week ago his name was embossed at the top.

The loss to Terence Crawford at Allegiant Stadium may have put a brake on Canelo’s career. Since defeating Rocky Fielding back in 2018, he has ruled the division. He still has two fights left under the Riyadh Season deal, and remains a big name in the division and in boxing in general. But there is no denying it: A narrative that a prime Canelo Alvarez may be a thing of the past now seems to linger. One only needs to review former champion Paulie Malignaggi‘s pointed observations to gauge the undercurrents.

Has time finally run out on Canelo Alvarez?

Boxing Scene‘s podcast had barely started when the host asked Malignaggi, “What is, to you, the biggest movement at 168? Is it Canelo being number one, ranked number one by WBC? Is it the M’billi rematch with Lester Martinez? What do you think will happen? Is Crawford staying at 68? What’s the X factor to you?” The former junior welterweight champion responded, “I like the Martinez rematch because it pushes more for the future, and it keeps pushing continuity.”

He explained. Crawford had a great victory, but he is getting old. It remains uncertain how long he will stay at 168 pounds. “Canelo, you know, he’s a big name, so he’s going to be in the conversation all the time. But again, there’s not much continuity there because how much longer is he really going to be around, you know?” Paulie Malignaggi asked.

That is where Christian M’billi and Lester Martinez’s rematch comes into play. The outcome provides the division with a way forward. The host pressed. Canelo still remains one of boxing’s biggest money spinners. So, Paulie Malignaggi highlighted one stark reality.

The truth and the path forward

Even if WBC placed him at the top of their contender’s list, it may not necessarily bring him rewards. “The good thing about WBC is even if you’re the number one contender, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to fight for the title. You can be the number one contender for, like, five years and never fight for the title,” Malignaggi said.

In Canelo’s case there might be exceptions, he believed. Despite the loss, he is still one of the biggest names in boxing.

It is hard to imagine how a loss could end up for the proverbial face of the sport. But that seems to be the case. There has been clamor for a rematch. If open about it, neither Crawford nor Canelo has expressed any commitment to a second fight either.

Perhaps the best recourse for Canelo could be a face-off against a rising star like Hamzah Sheeraz, who defeated Edgar Berlanga recently. A win over Sheeraz and a face-off against the winner of the M’billi-Martinez rematch should help him regain lost ground and maybe claim a rematch with Crawford.

What, in your opinion, could be the best course of action for Canelo right now?