- Canelo Alvarez's trainer Eddy Reynoso told ESPN that new WBC light heavyweight champion Willy Hutchinson is "without a doubt" an option, with a March return being targeted
- Hutchinson (21-2, 14 KOs) won the vacant title by beating Joshua Buatsi on 7 November, but the WBC says he owes two mandatory defences, with Ben Whittaker and Artur Beterbiev at the top of the rankings
- My view: the WBC finds a way to make Canelo vs Hutchinson in 2027, and Canelo wins it on points
Canelo vs Hutchinson: What Reynoso Said
Right then, the new WBC light heavyweight champion has barely had time to unpack the belt. Eddy Reynoso, trainer and manager to Canelo Alvarez, told ESPN that Willy Hutchinson is "without a doubt" an option for Canelo's next fight, and reports say a March return is the target.
Reynoso went further, saying it is a fight where Canelo can "be very strong and beat him." He also said he wants Canelo to unify and would welcome a rematch with Terence Crawford if Bud comes out of retirement. But Canelo vs Hutchinson is the name in the frame right now.
Where Canelo Is At
Canelo is 36 and 64-3-2 with 39 knockouts. He lost his undisputed crown to Crawford in September 2025, had surgery on his left elbow, and then beat Christian Mbilli in Riyadh on 31 October to win back the WBC title at 168lbs. At 175 he is one and one, a WBO title win in 2019 and the points loss to Dmitry Bivol in 2022.
Where Hutchinson Is At
Hutchinson is 28 and 21-2 with 14 knockouts. He beat Joshua Buatsi in Manchester on 7 November to win the vacant WBC title, his first world belt. I picked Buatsi that night and I got it wrong. The Scot was brilliant.
The Mandatory Problem
Here is the snag for Canelo vs Hutchinson. At its convention this week, the WBC said Hutchinson owes two mandatory defences. A four-man box-off has been discussed, with Artur Beterbiev and Ben Whittaker at the top of the rankings, and Matchroom has asked for Whittaker to get the first crack. Whittaker is reportedly due back in February.
Make no mistake, the WBC loves Canelo, and history tells you exceptions get made when he comes calling. If Canelo vs Hutchinson is the plan, I would not be shocked to see the mandatories pushed back or the champion paid to step aside for a voluntary.
Canelo vs Hutchinson Prediction
Let's not beat around the bush. If Canelo vs Hutchinson gets made, it is a far bigger payday than anything else Hutchinson can get, and he will take it. I think Canelo vs Hutchinson happens in 2027.
On the night, Hutchinson has the size, the youth and the reach, and he is no mug. But Canelo's timing and counter-punching are levels above, and he is a cuter operator than Buatsi. My prediction for Canelo vs Hutchinson is Canelo on points, and a two-time light heavyweight world champion at 36. If you know, you know.