Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez has been told that Dmitry Bivol could be an even tougher opponent in their proposed rematch.
Canelo lost to the WBA lightweight champion on Saturday night in Las Vegas as he fought for the second time at 175lbs, losing for just the second time in his career.
While the undisputed super middleweight champion was seen as the favourite going into the clash, the taller man dominated the experienced Mexican for a convincing win on points.
In the aftermath of the bout, both fighters appeared keen to stage a rematch later this year, while promoter Eddie Hearn suggested that Canelo would prioritise another challenge with Bivol over a potential trilogy rematch with Gennadiy Golovkin, which had been pencilled in for September.
Bivol is now unbeaten in 20 fights and his promoter Andrey Ryabinskiy told Sky Sports: "We have definitely seen one of the greatest fights from Dmitry, but to say it was the best would mean to devalue his abilities and his ambitions.
"I do believe his best is still ahead."
With no date or venue confirmed for the second fight, Ryabinskiy said it would be a little under half a year before the rematch.
"I'd say the preparation process will take at least from four to five months," he said.
"And the place for the fight is still to be decided, but most likely it will be in the US."