Twelve rounds later, he had answered most of them.

The Mexican superstar turned back the challenge of Christian Mbilli at Riyadh's Kingdom Arena, winning a unanimous decision to reclaim the WBC super middleweight title. The official scores were 117-110, 116-111 and 115-112 as Canelo reminded everyone he remains one of boxing's biggest forces.

For him, victory was about much more than collecting another world title. He was returning from a 13-month layoff, his longest absence in six years, attempting to rebound from a disappointing decision defeat to Terence Crawford in September 2025.

At 36 years old, there were legitimate questions about whether Alvarez could still compete at the highest level, and against Mbilli, he provided a convincing answer.

The previously unbeaten French-Cameroonian came forward, applied pressure and attempted to overwhelm Canelo in spurts with his work rate. He had successful moments, particularly in the early rounds, before Alvarez gradually made adjustments and took control.

Canelo's experience, counterpunching and accuracy became the difference. He repeatedly made Mbilli pay for his aggression, landed the cleaner and more damaging punches, and controlled the contest's second half.

It wasn't the type of performance to suggest Alvarez was ready to walk away from boxing. Canelo improved to 64-3-2 with 39 knockouts, putting himself in position for another series of major fights. So, where does he go next?

The biggest fight available from a financial and historical standpoint remains a Crawford rematch.

Canelo has made no secret of his desire to avenge that defeat while his trainer and manager, Eddy Reynoso, would welcome another opportunity. However, Crawford retired in the aftermath of his win over Canelo.

The undefeated former five-division world champion walked away after accomplishing something few believed possible, moving up two weight divisions to super middleweight, defeating Alvarez to capture all four major titles.

He’s made a tremendous amount of money and has nothing left to prove. For Crawford, a rematch would represent another enormous payday, but it would also mean risking his career's perfect ending.

For the moment, Crawford has expressed no interest in a rematch. Canelo can continue pushing for the fight, and there is certainly enough money involved to make almost anything possible in boxing.

But he cannot build the remainder of his career around waiting for somebody who may never return.

That brings us to former WBO titleholder Hamzah Sheeraz, who sat ringside in Riyadh.

The British contender has emerged as one of the most intriguing possibilities for Alvarez. He's young, talented, dangerous and carries the type of international appeal that could make a showdown commercially attractive.

Sheeraz would also represent a legitimate challenge. At 27, he's entering his prime, while Canelo is approaching the final stages of a remarkable career.

There is a considerable difference in experience, but the same can be said for age, size and physical freshness. Beating Sheeraz would further demonstrate Alvarez remains capable of turning back the next generation.

They share a common opponent in Edgar Berlanga.

Canelo scored a knockdown and outboxed Berlanga to a 12-round decision win, while Sheeraz demolished Berlanga with a violent fifth-round knockout last July. canSheeraz is also very marketable for a clash in the Middle East, as Canelo has another Riyadh Season-contracted bout.

Another possibility Canelo could consider is Lester Martinez. The Guatemalan holds the WBC interim title and has already established himself as a serious contender at 168 pounds. He was among those sitting ringside in Riyadh for Canelo's comeback, aware the WBC will likely mandate him to fight the winner in the coming months.

Martinez (21-0-1, 17 KOs) fought Mbilli to a 10-round split draw on the Canelo-Crawford undercard and has continued building his reputation with wins over Immanuwel Aleem and Luka Plantic this year. The fight makes sense, but doesn't present enough of a financial upside for Canelo to take such a risk.

In the same vein, IBF champion Osleys Iglesias (16-0, 15 KOs) would provide Alvarez an opportunity to move closer to controlling the division again. A dangerous southpaw with legitimate punching power, the Cuban would hardly represent an easy assignment.

Yet while an enticing unification against a titleholder yet to be truly tested against world-class opposition, the 28-year-old similarly lacks the financial incentive to get into the mix.

WBA champion Jaime Munguia is a no-go. The two Mexicans have already shared the ring, with Alvarez winning a decision in May 2024.

Since then, the pair have become close friends, teammates and share the same trainer in Reynoso. Canelo made it clear he would never entertain the idea of a rematch, and the feeling is mutual. That being said, there's also the eventual winner of the vacant WBO title fight between Janibek Alimkhanuly and Jacob Bank on January 23.

Becoming undisputed for a third time may ultimately be the most meaningful objective if Crawford remains retired.

Canelo has already accomplished virtually everything a fighter could hope to achieve. A four-division world champion who has twice conquered super middleweight and featured in some of boxing history's biggest events.

He doesn't need another title to validate his legacy, but that doesn't mean he has stopped chasing them. Alvarez has indicated a desire to return as early as February in Riyadh, while wanting fights in Japan, Mexico City and the UK before his career draws to a close. Those ambitions suggest retirement isn't an immediate consideration.

Canelo remains one of boxing's biggest attractions and has several legitimate options to consider. The difficult part may be deciding which opportunity is worth pursuing first.