The boxing world has been abuzz with discussions about the epic showdown between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Dmitry Bivol, a fight that has captured the imagination of fans and analysts alike. Their first encounter on May 7, 2022, was a defining moment in modern boxing, with Bivol delivering a stunning upset against the pound-for-pound king, Canelo Alvarez. 

As anticipation builds for a potential rematch in Autumn/Fall 2025, this article delves into the details of their past fight, the controversies, the stakes, and what fans are searching for on platforms like YouTube and Google. We’ll explore the fighters’ backgrounds, the significance of their rivalry, and the latest developments surrounding this blockbuster matchup.

The Fighters: Canelo Alvarez and Dmitry Bivol

Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, born July 18, 1990, in Guadalajara, Mexico, is arguably the biggest name in boxing today. With a professional record of 62 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws (as of June 2025), Canelo has solidified his status as a multi-division world champion. His accolades include titles in light middleweight, middleweight, super middleweight, and light heavyweight divisions, making him one of the most accomplished fighters of his generation. Known for his technical prowess, devastating power, and ring IQ, Canelo has faced a who’s who of boxing elites, including Gennady Golovkin, Floyd Mayweather Jr., and Callum Smith.

Canelo’s journey to superstardom began at age 15, and his relentless work ethic and adaptability have made him a fan favorite. However, his loss to Bivol in 2022 marked only the second defeat of his career, prompting intense scrutiny and fueling his desire for redemption.

Dmitry Bivol: The Light Heavyweight Maestro

Dmitry Bivol, born December 18, 1990, in Tokmak, Kyrgyzstan, and raised in Russia, is the epitome of technical boxing excellence. With an undefeated record of 23 wins (as of June 2025), Bivol has held the WBA light heavyweight title since 2017. His amateur career boasted over 250 wins, and his professional style is characterized by fluid footwork, precise jab, and an ability to control the ring with impeccable defense. Bivol’s victory over Canelo in 2022 elevated his status from a respected champion to a global star, proving he could compete with the best in the sport.

Bivol’s disciplined approach and understated demeanor contrast with Canelo’s charisma, but his in-ring performance speaks volumes. As the reigning light heavyweight king, Bivol is determined to maintain his dominance and prove his win over Canelo was no fluke.

The First Fight: May 7, 2022

The Canelo vs. Bivol fight took place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, a venue synonymous with boxing’s biggest events. Canelo, fresh off unifying the super middleweight division, moved up to light heavyweight (175 pounds) to challenge Bivol for the WBA title. The matchup was seen as a bold move for Canelo, who had previously won a light heavyweight title against Sergey Kovalev in 2019. 

However, Bivol was considered a formidable opponent due to his undefeated record and technical mastery. Fans and analysts were divided. Canelo’s power and experience made him the favorite, but Bivol’s size advantage and boxing acumen posed a unique challenge. The fight was billed as “Legacy is Earned,” and it lived up to the hype.

The Fight Breakdown

On May 7, 2022, Bivol delivered a masterclass performance, dominating Canelo over 12 rounds to win by unanimous decision (115-113 on all three judges’ scorecards). Bivol’s strategy was clear from the opening bell: use his jab to keep Canelo at bay, move laterally to avoid power shots, and land crisp combinations.

Canelo struggled to close the distance, as Bivol’s footwork and defensive reflexes neutralized his aggression. According to CompuBox, Bivol landed 152 of 487 punches (31%), while Canelo connected on 84 of 495 (17%). Bivol’s jab alone accounted for 71 landed punches, a testament to his control of the fight’s pace.

Social media posts on X reflected the sentiment at the time, with users like @yn_mvp praising Bivol’s “masterclass performance” and noting how he “dominated Canelo from start to finish”. However, some fans, such as @iFollowSP0RTS, controversially claimed Canelo landed more effective punches in slow-motion analysis, highlighting the polarized reactions to the fight.

Controversies and Scoring Disputes

Despite the unanimous decision, some questioned the closeness of the scorecards (115-113). A DAZN article later reported a controversial 114-114 draw score from their analysts, prompting debates about judging bias in Las Vegas, a city known for favoring Canelo in past fights. On X, users like @J_Dubber_602 echoed this sentiment, stating, “Bivol dominated Canelo,” and criticized the judges’ scoring. Additionally, a scandal emerged in January 2025 when a trainer alleged a $7 million pay scandal, claiming pressure was applied to influence the outcome, though these claims remain unverified.

Canelo himself admitted to The Ring that he was fighting at “50 percent” of his ability due to undisclosed issues, fueling speculation about injuries or weight class challenges. Despite the loss, Canelo’s reputation remained intact, but the defeat sparked calls for a rematch.

The Road to a Rematch

Canelo’s Quest for Redemption: Since the 2022 loss, Canelo has expressed a strong desire to rematch Bivol. In a March 2025 interview with Sports Illustrated, he discussed moving back to 175 pounds to avenge his defeat, emphasizing that Bivol is the only light heavyweight fight he’s interested in. Canelo’s recent performances, including a decision win over William Scull in May 2025, show he remains a dominant force at super middleweight, but the Bivol loss lingers as a stain on his legacy, as noted by Logan Paul.

Bivol’s Continued Dominance: Bivol, meanwhile, has solidified his status as the undisputed light heavyweight champion. His camp called for a rematch after Canelo’s win over Scull, with reports suggesting a potential September 13, 2025, date for Canelo vs. Bivol II. Bivol’s recent training sessions with Terence Crawford have also drawn attention, with some speculating about a potential Canelo-Crawford superfight. In a YouTube video, Bivol explained why he believes Crawford could beat Canelo, citing his speed and adaptability.

Proposed Rematch: Autumn/Fall 2025 According to box.live, the rematch is tentatively scheduled for Autumn/Fall 2025 at T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, in the light heavyweight division over 12 rounds. The fight promises to be a blockbuster, with Canelo’s undisputed super middleweight titles potentially on the line if he moves up in weight again. Bivol, however, has made it clear he wants fair terms for the rematch, as noted in a DAZN article from May 2025.

Why This Fight Matters

A Clash of Styles: Canelo vs. Bivol is a classic boxer vs. puncher matchup. Canelo’s aggressive, power-punching style contrasts with Bivol’s technical, defensive approach. Their first fight showcased Bivol’s ability to outbox a pressure fighter, but Canelo’s experience and adaptability make a rematch unpredictable. Fans on X, like @hec_her05, noted that Bivol’s caution against Canelo’s power prevented him from capitalizing fully, suggesting a rematch could see adjustments from both sides.

Legacy Implications: For Canelo, a win over Bivol would erase the blemish of his 2022 loss and solidify his claim as one of the all-time greats. For Bivol, defeating Canelo again would cement his status as a pound-for-pound elite and potentially open doors to superfights with the likes of Artur Beterbiev or Terence Crawford. Canelo himself has rated Bivol above Beterbiev, indicating the respect he has for his rival.

Cultural and Commercial Impact: Canelo’s global fanbase, particularly in Mexico and the U.S., ensures massive pay-per-view numbers, while Bivol’s rise has expanded his following in Russia and beyond. The fight’s Las Vegas setting and high stakes make it a commercial juggernaut, with T-Mobile Arena poised to host another electric atmosphere.

What to Expect in the Rematch

Canelo’s Adjustments: Canelo has hinted at addressing the shortcomings of his 2022 performance. His team may focus on improving his footwork to cut off the ring and increasing his punch output to disrupt Bivol’s rhythm. Canelo’s experience against elite fighters like Golovkin and Plant suggests he can adapt, but the weight class remains a concern. At 35, Canelo’s durability and power will be tested against a bigger, younger opponent.

Bivol’s Game Plan: Bivol is likely to stick with what worked: jab-heavy offense, lateral movement, and defensive discipline. His recent training with Crawford indicates he’s sharpening his skills against versatile opponents. Bivol’s confidence is evident, as seen in his YouTube interviews, where he emphasizes his belief in outboxing Canelo again.

Predictions: Analysts are split on the rematch. Some believe Canelo’s experience and hunger for redemption give him the edge, while others argue Bivol’s size and technical superiority make him the favorite. The betting odds, as of June 2025, are yet to be finalized, but the 2022 fight’s upset suggests anything is possible.

The Broader Context: Boxing in 2025

The Canelo-Bivol rematch is part of a vibrant boxing landscape in 2025. With Terence Crawford’s rise and Artur Beterbiev’s dominance in the light heavyweight division, the sport is experiencing a renaissance of high-profile matchups. The potential for a Canelo-Crawford fight, fueled by Bivol’s comments, adds another layer of intrigue. Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding the 2022 fight’s judging and alleged scandals underscores the need for transparency in boxing, a topic fans continue to debate on platforms like Reddit and X.

FAQs

What was the strategy behind Bivol’s win?

Bivol used his height, reach, and jab effectively, maintaining distance and controlling the pace with technical boxing. He neutralized Canelo’s power and aggression with excellent movement and counterpunching.

Is there a rematch between Canelo and Bivol?

Yes, a rematch is scheduled. After his victory over Artur Beterbiev in February 2025, Bivol expressed openness to a rematch with Canelo. Canelo, who had previously cited a wrist injury as a factor in his first loss to Bivol , has also indicated interest in facing Bivol again. The rematch is expected to take place in February 2026 .

When is the next fight for Canelo Álvarez?

Canelo Álvarez is scheduled to fight IBF super middleweight champion William Scull on May 3, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This bout is part of a four-fight deal with the Riyadh Season, with a potential rematch against Terence Crawford planned for September 2025 .

What are the stakes in the upcoming rematch?

The rematch will be significant for both fighters. For Canelo, it’s an opportunity to avenge his only loss since 2013 and prove himself against a top light heavyweight. For Bivol, a victory would solidify his status as the top fighter in the division and could lead to a potential move to cruiserweight .

In Summary

The Canelo vs. Bivol saga is more than just a fight; it’s a narrative of redemption, legacy, and technical brilliance. Their 2022 clash redefined both fighters’ careers, with Bivol emerging as a star and Canelo facing a rare setback. As the boxing world awaits their rematch in Autumn/Fall 2025, fans are glued to YouTube for highlights, Google for updates, and X for heated debates. Whether Canelo can reclaim his dominance or Bivol can repeat his masterclass, one thing is certain this rivalry will go down as one of boxing’s most compelling chapters.

For the latest updates, fans can check platforms like DAZN, Sports Illustrated, and box.live for official announcements. Until then, the anticipation for Canelo vs. Bivol II continues to build, promising another unforgettable night in the squared circle.

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