Canelo trainer Eddy Reynoso revealed his first choice opponent for the Mexican superstar just days after WBN revealed up to 20 potential foes.
The middleweight and super-middleweight ruler is eyeing a return to action this fall, most likely in September, and needs a new suitor following the withdrawal of Billy Joe Saunders.
Another Briton in John Ryder has emerged as the favorite with bookmakers. But Reynoso says he wants Canelo to battle the number one at 168.
Callum Smith, who won the World Boxing Super Series to pick up the top dog spot, is the personal preference of the respected trainer.
Reynoso gave ESPN his view in a recent interview.
“Callum Smith will be the most prestigious opponent for Canelo,” Reynoso stated. “I think he is the perfect rival.
“He is the best boxer of the 168 division and the Ring Magazine champion. I think he is the best,” he added.
Smith has outlined his willingness to accept the fight for some time. It would give the Liverpool man an opportunity to avenge his brother’s loss.
Elder sibling Liam was dominated by Canelo before being stopped in nine rounds. The pair met at the AT & T Stadium in Texas four years ago.
At the time, Canelo took Smith’s WBO Super-welterweight strap. The younger Smith, nicknamed ‘Mundo’, would relish the chance to gain revenge.
Ryder would still be the slight leader in the race but Smith is certainly up there.
CANELO LIST
With the recent addition of Willie Monroe Jr, TWENTY-ONE boxers have expressed their interest in fighting Canelo next.
Sergiy Derevyanchenko (OUT)
Jermall Charlo (OUT)
Jay Quigley
Gennadiy Golovkin
Billy Joe Saunders (OUT)
Caleb Plant
David Lemieux
Anthony Dirrell
Andre Dirrell
Spike O’Sullivan
Chris Eubank Jr.
Demetrius Andrade
Ryota Murata
Jaime Munguia
Liam Williams
Rob Brant
Tureano Johnson
Gilberto Ramirez
Jean Pascal
John Ryder
Willie Monroe Jr.
The views expressed in this article are the opinions of Phil Jay.
WBN Editor Phil Jay has over ten years of boxing news experience. Follow WBN on Facebook @officialworldboxingnews, Instagram, and Twitter @worldboxingnews.
