Canelo next fight: Hutchinson responds as Reynoso names Scot an option

Willy Hutchinson has welcomed the possibility of facing Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez after trainer Eddy Reynoso identified the new WBC light-heavyweight champion as an option for the Mexican’s next fight.

The Scot won his world title against Joshua Buatsi on Saturday. He could now enter the reckoning for a bout with Canelo, whose camp are considering another move to 175lbs.

No fight has been announced, but there is interest from both sides.

Canelo next fight: what Reynoso said about Hutchinson

Speaking to ESPN Knockout, in comments reported by BoxingScene, Reynoso confirmed that Hutchinson is under consideration.

“Yes, without a doubt Hutchinson is an option for Canelo. We’ll see,” he said.

“I’ve been analysing his fight and I’ve been following him for a few fights. I think it’s a fight where we can be very strong and beat him. He’s also the WBC champion. Let’s see what happens.”

The comments open up the possibility of Canelo challenging for another light-heavyweight title. They do not establish that he has selected Hutchinson or committed to changing divisions.

Hutchinson welcomes Canelo possibility

Hutchinson has since addressed the prospect himself.

“I’ve had a phone call about it, I’m ready for that,” he told talkSPORT.

That adds to the interest surrounding the potential contest, although the reported call does not establish that formal negotiations or a deal are in place.

Hutchinson beat Buatsi by unanimous decision in Manchester on 7 November, reversing their 2024 result and claiming the vacant WBC title.

Read our Hutchinson vs Buatsi fight report for the full account of his world-title win.

Anthony Yarde and Ben Whittaker have also been mentioned by Hutchinson as possible opponents. Canelo’s emergence adds another route for his first defence.

Why another move to light-heavyweight matters

Canelo has experienced both success and defeat at 175lbs.

He stopped Sergey Kovalev in the 11th round to win the WBO title in 2019. His challenge against Dmitry Bivol in 2022 ended in a unanimous-decision defeat.

Hutchinson’s title therefore offers an opportunity to return to a division where Canelo has already been tested. It would also mean moving up after regaining the WBC super-middleweight belt against Christian Mbilli.

Our Canelo vs Mbilli report covers that victory in Riyadh on 31 October, his return following the defeat by Terence Crawford.

Has Canelo’s next fight been confirmed?

No opponent, date or venue has been announced for a Canelo–Hutchinson contest.

Boxing News reports that Canelo expects to return in the first half of 2027, with one fight remaining on his current Riyadh Season agreement.

For now, Reynoso has identified Hutchinson as a possible opponent and the Scot has welcomed the idea. The next significant development would be confirmation of negotiations or an agreement.

Follow our boxing coverage for further announcements.