Canelo Alvarez did what he promised inside the squared circle. He kept dishing out ruthless punishment on Edgar Berlanga and took home the three gold straps that he bought with himself to the T-Mobile Arena on September 14. While he is basking in success and now intends to spend some time with his family, speculations have already begun for his next fight.

It might be some time before we get to see the Mexican champion in the ring before his annual Cinco de Mayo appearance. But the rumor market is hot and names are being floated already. So, how will he pick next? Let’s have a look at the list of his potential suitors.

Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford: a match for legacy

Terence Crawford has done it all. A two-division undisputed championship and with recent ascendency to the top of the middleweight division, also to his boastful resume. But ‘Bud’ is chasing a legacy fight to close off his career, and he has zeroed in on Alvarez.

Crawford, 36, has called out Alvarez, 34, for some time now and once again voiced his intent to exchange blows with him when the Berlanga fight was settled. With HE Turki Alalshikh in his corner, financial pull won’t be a concern. However, it all depends on whether Crawford, at 41-0, fits the bill for the champion. If there is one name that fans have heard from him, it is Dmitry Bivol, who handed him the second defeat of his career.

Avenging the loss against Dmitry Bivol

Alvarez, at 62-2-2, was not at his absolute best when he ventured to the 175-pound division and booked a date with Bivol. An injury marred his chances and crippled his ability to launch counters or dictate the pace of the fight. And it’s a result he wants to reverse. Why? Because the Guadalajara native believes he is the better fighter of the two.

There might be a considerate interest in the fight, and a rematch may well be on the cards. But the timing is not right, yet. Bivol, 33, takes on Artur Beterbiev for the undisputed crown on October 12, and it depends on the outcome of the fight. If Bivol collects all the marbles, then a rematch will definitely be on the cards. Otherwise, the interest will fizzle out, and the fans would prefer Alvarez to pick someone else, in particular, another fighter from the 175-pound division, who has the backing of the fans—David Benavidez.

Canelo Alvarez vs. ‘Mexican Monster’

The fight has everything that fans want to see. Alvarez’s skilled counterpunching and forward-coming style vs. Benavidez’s aggression and powerful shots. In addition, the fight has been in the making for a long time, with the ‘Mexican Monster’ dismantling his competition and holding on to his WBC interim title to have a rightful shot at the champion. But it never came.

It’s still boiling out to be an outstanding contest, only if it materializes. However, the chances of it happening are diminishing with each day, and with Benavidez, 27, finding him next in line to fight for the undisputed crown at 175, the chances are ever so low. But there is one fight that makes sense now.

Other possible fights: Rematch with Caleb Plant and a possible unification route

When Caleb Plant knocked out Trevor McCumby in the ninth round of the Alvarez vs. Berlanga undercard, he earned the WBA interim title as a reward. It positions him well to take on Alvarez and, with their history and a newfound respect for each other; it makes for a compelling watch. What’s more? Fireworks and explosive action are guaranteed, as ‘Sweethands’ has a reputation for going for the kill, and given his loss to Alvarez, there will be a burning desire to exact revenge.

What if Alvarez wants to unify the titles and want to hold all the belts again? Then he might have to fight the newly elevated William Scull. But it’s hard to imagine that happening now when he already decided not to fight him to hold on to his IBF title. Then there is a growing threat of Diego Pacheco, who is molding himself into a better fighter and another KO win could propel him into the fight conversation. It all boils down to who Alvarez wants to fight next, and it’s his call alone now.

Who do you think Canelo Alvarez should fight next? Let us know in the comments below.