Saúl "Canelo" Álvarez has been dropped from the Top 5 in The Ring’s pound-for-pound rankings, one of the most prestigious publications in the boxing world. Despite his status as one of the sport's most recognized figures and his commercial success outside the ring, criticisms of his choice of opponents have grown, affecting his position among the best. The recent clash between Russians Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol had direct consequences on the rankings, pushing Canelo down to sixth place.

The Mexican boxer had managed to stay in fourth place following his unanimous decision win over Edgar Berlanga in September, where he successfully defended his titles in the 168-pound category. However, the close fight between Beterbiev and Bivol shifted the landscape, with Beterbiev climbing to fourth place, previously held by Álvarez, while Bivol settled into fifth after his outstanding performance, despite losing his undefeated status.

Though he has dropped to sixth place, Canelo remains the only Latin American fighter in the Top 10 pound-for-pound rankings. His next opponent has yet to be confirmed, but the most prominent names mentioned include Terence Crawford and David Benavidez. However, Álvarez has publicly dismissed both, stating he will fight whoever he wants. Naoya Inoue, the dominant Japanese boxer ranked second, is considered the most likely candidate for Canelo's next bout.

**The Ring’s pound-for-pound rankings:**

1. Oleksandr Usyk (Ukraine | 22-0-0)  

2. Naoya Inoue (Japan | 28-0-0)  

3. Terence Crawford (United States | 41-0-0)  

4. Artur Beterbiev (Russia | 21-0-0)  

5. Dmitry Bivol (Russia | 23-1-0)  

6. Saúl "Canelo" Álvarez (Mexico | 62-2-2)  

7. Jesse Rodríguez (United States | 20-0-0)  

8. Gervonta Davis (United States | 30-0-0)  

9. Junto Nakatani (Japan | 29-0-0)  

10. Devin Haney (United States | 31-0-0)