Alvarez cemented his legacy when he became the first undisputed super-middleweight champion of all time, capturing all four major world titles within a remarkable 11-month period. After later vacating the IBF title, the four-division world champion proved his enduring dominance by winning it back with a decisive unanimous decision triumph over William Scull, firmly establishing himself as a two-time undisputed ruler of the 168-pound weight class.
Despite being the first fighter in boxing history to achieve those specific accolades at super-middleweight, the division has historically been home to legendary figures. Icons such as Roy Jones Jr. and Sugar Ray Leonard famously graced the 168-pound scene during their illustrious careers, and both remain widely considered to be among the greatest pound-for-pound fighters to ever lace up a pair of gloves.
The debate over how modern champions would fare against the legends of boxing’s past was recently highlighted during an interview with FightHype. Former world champion James Toney was quizzed on whether he believes Canelo Alvarez could have successfully competed in any era throughout the rich history of boxing. Known throughout his legendary career for his sharp tongue and supreme in-ring confidence, "Lights Out" Toney was quick to dismiss the 36-year-old Mexican star’s chances of sustained success if he were to be transported to other golden periods of the sport.
"Canelo is a good fighter, but all of these guys today ain’t lasting in our era or the 70s or the 60s – hell no! The 80s? Tommy Hearns? [Marvin] Hagler? Hell no!" Toney declared during the interview.
Toney’s perspective comes from a place of deep historical experience within the division. The outspoken American competed at 168 pounds throughout the 1990s, showcasing his exceptional defensive skills and ring generalship while making several successful world title defenses. His dominant run in the weight class eventually came to a halt when he suffered his first professional defeat in a highly anticipated superfight against Roy Jones Jr. in 1994, a bout that remains a benchmark for elite-level super-middleweight boxing.
As for Canelo Alvarez, the Mexican superstar continues to write the active chapters of his storied career while managing fresh challenges. After reclaiming a piece of the super-middleweight landscape with a victory over Christian Mbilli last time out, the four-division champion is understood to be considering a move up to the light-heavyweight division. Such a transition would be aimed at further strengthening his already formidable claim to the mythical pound-for-pound throne in the latter stages of his career.
Beyond his ambitions at light-heavyweight, Alvarez also remains hopeful that he could secure the opportunity to avenge his 2025 defeat to Terence Crawford. That high-profile encounter saw the Mexican icon beaten for the first time in his professional career as a 168-pounder, leaving an uncharacteristic blemish on his otherwise glittering record that he is eager to correct as he maps out his remaining fights in the sport.
