The boxing world is abuzz with excitement as the super middleweight division steps into the spotlight! With the unexpected departure of Canelo Alvarez, a legendary figure in the sport, the stage is set for a new era of champions to emerge.
Alvarez's loss in September marked a historic moment, not just for the fall of boxing's king, but also for the division's opportunity to showcase its depth and talent. And boy, has it delivered!
Enter Terence Crawford, who retired in December after a decisive victory over Alvarez. Crawford's retirement left the belts of the four major sanctioning bodies up for grabs, creating a unique opportunity for a talented group of challengers to step up and claim their titles.
But here's where it gets controversial... The first bout expected to take center stage involves two undefeated fighters, Hamzah Sheeraz and Diego Pacheco, who are set to participate in a WBO purse bid process. Sheeraz, fresh off a knockout win against recent title challenger Edgar Berlanga, will face Pacheco, a California-based fighter with a mixed record in 2025, including a knockdown in his most recent fight.
On a recent episode of ProBox TV's 'BoxingScene Today', analysts Chris Algieri, Paulie Malignaggi, and Robert Garcia shared their enthusiasm for the upcoming battles in the 168lbs division. They highlighted a WBC title rematch between Christian Mbilli and Lester Martinez, a WBA title defense by Jose Armando Resendiz against former challenger Jaime Munguia, and an IBF title shot for Cuba's Osleys Iglesias.
"These matchups are fantastic, and this division is terrific," Algieri exclaimed.
Malignaggi, who has been critical of Alvarez for stalling progress in the division, added, "This is exactly what he was preventing. He was like a cancer to this weight class."
Pacheco's performance in 2025 has been underwhelming as he prepares for his bout with Sheeraz. Trainer of the year, Robert Garcia, emphasized, "He needs to take this seriously. Styles make fights, and this could be the perfect fight for him, but Pacheco needs to step up and make adjustments. It's a title fight, and he must take it seriously."
Algieri believes the high stakes for these young fighters are invigorating.
"They're in their primes, passionate, and vigorous. It's great for the sport's health to see young guys taking risks and being aggressive about it," he said.
This certainly applies to the undefeated duo of Mbilli and Martinez, who put on a fight-of-the-year contender on the Alvarez ousting card. While Martinez had success with his boxing skills in the final two rounds, Algieri predicts a rematch will turn into another slugfest, potentially earning them the fight of the year title once again.
Unlike their previous 10-round affair in September, a title fight between Mbilli and Martinez would be a grueling 12-round battle.
As for Cuba's Iglesias, he's awaiting an opponent for the IBF belt, and the process to find one might be a lengthy one.
"As a 6-feet-2 southpaw with power, he's a nightmare for any opponent," Algieri remarked.
Alvarez, meanwhile, is expected to return from surgery in the latter half of the year.
"He fits well due to his popularity, but he'll face tough fights. It won't be easy," Algieri said. "Perhaps the winner of Resendiz-Munguia would be the best match-up for him. Everything else is too risky."
So, what do you think? Are you excited for the new era of champions in the super middleweight division? Who do you think will emerge as the next big name? Let's discuss in the comments and share our predictions!
