Fresh from his straightforward victory over compatriot Jaime Munguia in Las Vegas on May 6, Guadalajara superstar boxer Saul “Canelo” Alvarez has bragged that no rival can match his talent at the current moment.

Due to his stature in the sport, the undisputed super-middleweight champion has largely been able to pick and choose his opponents.  While he has fought major champions such as Floyd Mayweather and Gennady Golovkin, he has been criticized for sidestepping fighters such as undefeated 27-year-old David Benavidez —a former three-time WBC super middleweight champion—who many boxing pundits believe would cause Canelo serious problems in the ring.

After the Munguia fight, Canelo said he would select his next opponent carefully, depending on the purse on offer.

He may not have a say in the matter, however.  This week, the International Boxing Federation (FIB) ordered Canelo to defend his title against mandatory challenger William Scul of Cuba.  The federation issued a 28-day deadline for the Canelo and Scull teams to agree on terms.   

Many boxing commentators reckon Alvarez would probably prefer to be stripped of his titles rather than face a challenger in a fight that is unlikely to make much money. Boxing fans would dearly love to see him take on Benavides next, but on the cusp of his 34th birthday, Canelo will be looking to preserve his legacy as one of boxing’s greatest-ever fighters. Any blemish at this stage might damage that.