Not him but his team, not necessarily because they are scared or anything, more of a "Who needs that guy? Get someone in-house." kind of shyt. The franchise champion can still take a tougher fight as Canelo did now. Got promoted to franchise champion and then went up 2 divisions for an actually harder challenge than his ex-mandatory.
You really think it's a demotion huh? C'mon man, the WBC demoted Canelo?
Be realistic.
As much of a BS it is, if the president of the organization says it's a promotion then it's a promotion. Him saying Loma would be still undisputed if he beats Commey vs Lopez winner = him acknowledging it's not a demotion but a promotion.