Boxing

CANELO ALVAREZ delivered a stunning 11th-round KO of Caleb Plant at the weekend – with talk instantly of ‘who’s next?’The Mexican became the first ever undisputed super-middleweight champion and re-affirmed his position as the pound-for-pound best in the world.
Canelo Alvarez became the first ever undisputed super-middleweight championCredit: Getty
Canelo delivered a stunning 11th-round KO of Caleb Plant in Las VegasCredit: AFP
Canelo is now a four-weight world champion – meaning the span is wide as to who he could fight next.
His only ever defeat came in 2013 against the legendary Floyd Mayweather – Canelo was very much a rookie at the time.
Since then the 31-year-old has blasted out all most of the opposition, including a clutch of gallant Brits along the way.
Here, SunSport checks out five potential opponents for the Mexican sensation.
Gennadiy Golovkin
Boxing fans will be keen for Canelo to complete a trilogy against Gennadiy Golovkin – especially as their two fights were extremely contentious.
Canelo was lucky to get a draw in their first clash in 2017, with US-based judges blasted for their scoring.
He was better in their second fight in 2018, but there was still some argument when he claimed a majority decision
Canelo got the judges’ decision against Gennadiy Golovkin in 2018 after they drew their first fightCredit: Getty Images – Getty

FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS

Artur Beterbiev
This is probably the most dangerous fight on the list.
Canelo may fancy going back up to light-heavyweight – he famously secured a stunning KO win against Sergey Kovalev in 2019.
Artur Beterbiev is a beast at the weight and the current unified champ with 16 wins and 16 KOs.
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman was quizzed about whether the two could fight, saying: “It would be a tremendous match.
“Beterbiev is undefeated, he is a heavy, heavy puncher.
“He would be a very strong threat to Canelo’s legacy.”
Artur Beterbiev has knocked out all 16 of his light-heavyweight opponents so farCredit: Getty
Jake Paul
For some reason YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul continues to angle for a fight against one of the greatest boxers ever.
Paul has won all four of his pro fights so far – one against a fellow YouTuber, one against a baskeball player and two against UFC fighters.
A scrap against Canelo would be a ridiculous step up. But the Meican has not even ruled it out himself.
Asked by FightHype if he would ever face the social media sensation, he replied: “We don’t know, you can never say never. We’ll see in the future.”
Canelo also said Paul, who fights Tyson Fury’s younger brother Tommy next, would need to do ‘a lot of things’ before they could ever fight.
For some reason Jake Paul wants to fight CaneloCredit: Getty
Kamaru Usman
UFC champ Kamaru Usman has previously called for a crossover fight against Canelo.
Usman is a heavy-hitting fighter, but would be a huge underdog against the Mexican if they went at it in a boxing ring.
And even UFC chief Dana White has dismissed Usman’s chances against Canelo.
He said: “He doesn’t want to fight Canelo, he doesn’t want to fight Canelo.
“C’mon man let’s stop this s***.”
Kamaru Usman, left, has previously toyed with the idea of fighting Canelo in a boxing ringCredit: Getty
Zach Parker
Undefeated Brit Zach Parker is the WBO No1 ranked fighter for Canelo’s super-middleweight title.
The Derby boxer sensationally KO’d Marcus Morrison at the weekend – but he has not fought anyone even close to Canelo’s level yet.
But Parker is a heavy-handed super-middleweight as well as being supremely confident in his boxing ability.
The WBO could well line up another Brit for Canelo – and Parker would seize it with both hands undoubtedly.
Derby super-middleweight Zack Parker is the WBO No1 ranked fighterCredit: PA
Canelo vs Plant – Round by Round More

CANELO ALVAREZ has been warned Artur Beterbiev poses a ‘very strong threat’ to his legacy as the WBC gave the green light for the fight. Mexican superstar Canelo became the first-ever undisputed super-middleweight champion after knocking out Caleb Plant in 11 rounds.
Canelo Alvarez has been warned Artur Beterbiev poses a ‘very strong threat’ to his legacy
Artur Beterbiev has a 100 per cent KO ratioCredit: Getty
Talk has immediately turned to what could be next for boxing’s pound-for-pound No1.
The sport’s only champion with a 100 per cent knockout ratio, Russian Beterbiev, has been tipped as a dangerous challenger to Canelo.
He defends his unified WBC and IBF light-heavyweight title against Marcus Browne, 30, on December 17.
But afterwards, the WBC have given their blessing for Canelo, 31, to challenge for the famous green and gold title at 175lb.
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman told Sky Sports: “It would be a tremendous match. Beterbiev is undefeated, he is a heavy, heavy puncher.
“He would be a very strong threat to Canelo’s legacy. But Canelo wants to keep going further and further so let’s see.”

Alvarez has only once fought at light-heavyweight when in November 2019 he knocked out Sergey Kovalev, 38, to win the WBO belt.
But he then moved back down to super-middleweight and in the space of 11 months won all four titles.
Beterbiev, 36, has 18 KOs in as many fights and stands as one of the most fearsome punchers in all of boxing.
Canelo’s relentless activity over the past year leaves him needing vital rest and announced he will likely return in May.
Alvarez will decide his next opponent in January and hinted at defending his titles opposed to moving up in weight.
He said: “We are always looking for the best fights and defending the titles is always important.
“When the time comes we will think about the future. Maybe in January, we will see what is next.
“I have nothing in particular in mind right now. I’m ready for any challenge, but we will see what comes next year.”
Dana White dismisses UFC star Kamaru Usman’s chances against Canelo Alvarez More

TYSON FURY seemed to be enjoying the party as he belted out Sweet Caroline in a packed-out bar at the weekend.The WBC heavyweight champ was with his dad ,John, and fellow heavyweight boxer Joseph Parker and uploaded a series of clips on his Instagram Stories.
Tyson Fury belted out Sweet Caroline – and got it all on camera too
Fury was supporting his dad John on his speaking tour
The 1969 Neil Diamond hit has become an anthem in boxing, with fans belting it out at events all around the world.
And Fury was joined by many others in singing along as karaoke took centre stage.
It was a busy weekend for the Gypsy King as he also enjoyed a romantic date night with wife Paris.
He shared a photo of Paris in a restaurant holding a wine glass.
Fury had been in Blackpool to support his dad John, who was conducting an ‘evening with’ tour.
And last week he also did some filming with Jamie Redknapp and Freddie Flintoff for A League Of Their Own.

JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)

This saw him playing bingo in Morecambe, where he made an entrance by shadow boxing down the aisle.
Recently, The Sun revealed the boxer and one of his coaches, Andy Lee, went with two fans, Stella Kabelis, 21, and Kailah Downie, 24, on an eight-hour night out.
The girls spotted Fury and former champion Lee in a swanky restaurant.
Outside they approached the two-time heavyweight champ for a selfie and he happily obliged.
The group then travelled to Stella and Kailah’s £1,000-a-month flat in Salford to continue partying.
Fury is said to have called it a night at around 11.30pm — more than eight hours after he met the girls.
The 33-year-old is on the crest of a wave after destroying Deontay Wilder in their trilogy fight to maintain his unbeaten record.
He is rumoured to be set to fight fellow Brit Dillian Whyte next, the Londoner being the WBC mandatory challenger.
Fury also did some filming at Buzz Bingo in Morecambe
Jamie Redknapp, Freddie Flintoff and Tyson Fury filmed for A League Of Their Own
Tyson Fury enjoyed a romantic date night with his wife Paris
Tyson Fury enjoys romantic date night with wife Paris after after taking two women on eight-hour booze bender More

CALEB PLANT has vowed to become a world champion again after being knocked out by Canelo Alvarez in their undisputed super-middleweight showdown.The 29-year-old suffered the first defeat of his career at the hands of the Mexican over the weekend after a brutal assault left him sprawled across the canvas.
Caleb Plant suffered heartbreak against Canelo Alvarez in their undisputed super-middleweight boutCredit: AP
Canelo knocked out Plant in the 11th round of their contest in Las Vegas over the weekendCredit: Getty
And Plant, who pocketed at least £7.4million from the Las Vegas contest, has broken his silence after having his IBF title ripped away.
In an Instagram post, the Tennessee native has declared he has proved he deserves to compete at the top level.
He said: “I’ve bent most the world to my will and done it with nothing but passion and skill. I’ll be back.
“I showed I belong on the top level and I’ll be champion of the world again.
“I’ve never been scared to go big or go out on my shield.
“Thank you to all the fans and all my supporters.”

JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)

His fans were quick to show their support to Sweethands, as one user commented: “Great fight man, you’ll be back.”
Another remarked: “I still believe in you bro!”
A third added: “You fought at the highest level, doggie. Unreal performance.”
Meanwhile one messaged: “You inspired millions around the world and did it with the highest levels of honour and integrity, CP. can’t wait for the next chapter.”
One then said: “Your boxing was pure class brother! Your movement, countering and controlling your opponent when feeling under pressure was phenomenal!
“You definitely made a lot of people proud and you’ll be back at the top real soon!”
Another simply stated: “Congrats champ! True warrior.”
Canelo was also full of praise for Plant in his post-fight interview, as he declared: “I want to thank everyone here tonight. It hasn’t been easy to get to this point.
Canelo extended his record to 57-1-2 after blasting out Sweethands at the MGM Grand Garden ArenaCredit: AFP
“But with your support, my family, my team, we’ve got really far. This is for everybody, especially in Mexico.
My respect for Caleb Plant. He’s a terrific fighter with a lot of ability.
“We’re men at the end. He wanted to still fight me, he wanted to still continue. And there’s no shame, we had a great fight today.
“But of course, we came out on top.”
Canelo vs Plant – Round by Round More

LOGAN PAUL has confirmed talks with Mike Tyson and said he would fight the heavyweight legend to ‘shut people the f*** up’. The YouTube sensation and boxing icon were rumoured to be in talks for an exhibition bout in February.
Logan Paul confirmed talks with Mike TysonCredit: Getty
Logan Paul said he would fight heavyweight legend Mike Tyson to ‘shut people the f*** up’Credit: Reuters
Paul admitted tentative talks had taken place in the past, but it was not a fight he was heavily considering.
But after seeing the reaction of fans, who tipped Tyson to demolish the man 29 YEARS his junior, the social media influencer is ready to prove doubters wrong.
Paul told SecondsOut: “As of now there’s nothing – I mean, look we’ve been kind of talking about it, it’s been kind of possible for a little bit.
“It’s been pinned. Then there’s rumours started circling, whatever we didn’t say anything and then it got confirmed that it wasn’t happening.
“I was like reading the tweets and the social commentary and everyone was saying, ‘Tyson would f***ing kill Logan’.
“So a fight that I initially hadn’t even considered, is now like people actually don’t think that I would win, this is actually offensive.

“And I started getting upset and now I’m kind of considering it just to shut people the f*** up.
“I find it absurd that people don’t think I can beat Mike Tyson.”
Paul, 26, has boxed only three times before, firstly in a white collar bout against British online rival KSI, 28, which ended in a draw in 2018.
But a year later, they turned professional and the American lost the rematch by scrappy split-decision.
Only this June did Paul return, for an extraordinary exhibition against Floyd Mayweather, 44, who gave away TWO STONE.
And after Mayweather failed to score a knockout finish, the bout ended without a declared winner.

Meanwhile Tyson, 55, came out of retirement in November after 15 years out and drew with Roy Jones Jr, 52, in an eight-round exhibition.
The reformed Baddest Man on The Planet has confirmed he will fight again with his second comeback bout set for February.
But after the sad ending to 58-year-old Evander Holyfield’s fight with Vitor Belfort, 44, in September, Paul has reservations on facing the great Iron Mike.
He said: “What’s the f***ing win here? I’m proving everyone wrong and saying, ‘Yeah, I did it!’
“Like a legend, who I respect and love dearly is sitting on the floor. Like, how much money is that worth? F*** that.”
Logan Paul calls out boxing star Tyson Fury for MMA fight More

CALEB PLANT told Canelo Alvarez ‘I’m pretty good for 21-0’ as they were captured TALKING to each other in the ring. Plant was stopped two rounds later but in the ninth the pair were overheard trading words.
Caleb Plant and Canelo Alvarez talking to each other in the ringCredit: AP

Plant, 29, said: “You’re pretty good, am I pretty good?”
Canelo, 31, replied: “Yeah”
Plant responded: “This a pretty good fight right here”
Canelo then said: “I like it”
Plant remarked: “I respect your skills”
And Canelo said: “I know”
Plant then added: “I’m pretty good for 21-0, huh?”

Canelo, who has won belts in four divisions, scored two knockdowns in round 11 before the ref waved off the fight.
Plant, beaten for the first time in 22 fights, was transported to a local hospital in Las Vegas for precautionary checks.
But he later broke his silence after defeat and vowed to bounce back better than ever.
Plant posted: “I’ve bent most the world to my will and done it with nothing but passion and skill.
“I’ll be back I showed I belong on the top level and I’ll be champion of the world again.
“I’ve never been scared to go big or go out on my shield. Thank you to all the fans and all my supporters.”
Dana White dismisses UFC star Kamaru Usman’s chances against Canelo Alvarez More

TYSON FURY enjoyed a romantic date night with his wife Paris – which came soon after his night out with two female fans. The unbeaten WBC heavyweight champion revealed himself at a restaurant with long-time partner Paris, who was having a glass of wine.
Tyson Fury enjoyed a romantic date night with his wife ParisCredit: Instagram
Paris Fury enjoying a glass of wine
Tyson Fury on a date night with ParisCredit: Instagram
Fury had been in Blackpool to support his dad John, who was conducting an evening with tour.
The Gypsy King, 33, is coming off an epic trilogy win against Deontay Wilder, 36, which dramatically ended in round 11.
Fury soon returned home to Morecambe as has been taking a break to recover after the win.
Recently, The Sun revealed the boxer and one of his coaches, Andy Lee, went with two fans, Stella Kabelis, 21, and Kailah Downie, 24, on an eight-hour night out.
The girls spotted Fury and former champion Lee in a swanky restaurant.
Outside they approached the two-time heavyweight champ for a selfie and he happily obliged.

The group exchanged numbers and headed to the city’s Hatch pop-up complex where they are said to have downed £8.50 Pornstar cocktails from the Miami Ice bar.
But the girls were floored when they got a WhatsApp message from Lee asking them to join them for something to eat.
The group then travelled to Stella and Kailah’s £1,000-a-month flat in Salford to continue partying.
Fury is said to have called it a night at around 11.30pm — more than eight hours after he met the girls.
When contacted by The Sun, Stella acknowledged the night was “good fun” but added: “I’m not willing to make any further comment.”
The day before, Fury had a game of bingo in his home town of Morecambe with TV stars Andrew Flintoff and Jamie Redknapp.
They were filming an episode of A League of Their Own’s Road Trip, and Redknapp posted:  “Bingo and with the big man and champion of the world. Coming soon.”
Fury has recently been helping Paris promote tell-all book, documenting her life and relationship with her husband.
She gave birth to their sixth child Athena in August, and the pair previously told how they want 11 children.
Tyson Fury pictured with two fans before their night out More