Canelo Alvarez 2026 return delayed by elbow surgery after loss to Terence Crawford, per reports

The 35-year-old Alvarez, who suffered a unanimous decision loss to Crawford on September 13 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, reportedly endured persistent elbow discomfort in the weeks leading up to the fight. Medical assessments following the bout revealed the necessity for surgical intervention to address the underlying issue. The procedure, which has already been completed, is expected to sideline Alvarez from active training for a minimum of 12 to 15 weeks, with a recovery period of at least two months post-surgery. This timeline effectively pushes his potential return to the ring to the second quarter of 2026, likely in April at the earliest.

Alvarez’s defeat to Crawford marked a significant moment in boxing, as Crawford became the first male fighter in the four-belt era to achieve undisputed status in three different weight divisions (welterweight, light welterweight, and super middleweight). The loss also represented Alvarez’s first setback since his defeat to Dmitry Bivol in May 2022, when he moved up to the light heavyweight division to challenge for Bivol’s WBA title.

The September 13 fight was also notable as the inaugural boxing promotion under the Zuffa Boxing banner, spearheaded by UFC CEO Dana White. Zuffa Boxing recently finalized a long-term media rights agreement with Paramount+, securing the streaming service exclusive rights to broadcast 12 boxing events annually, beginning in 2026. While the details of specific fight cards are yet to be released, the deal signifies a major entry for Paramount+ into the boxing broadcasting landscape.

Prior to the announcement of his surgery, Alvarez had two fights remaining under his agreement with Turk Alalshikh, the influential Saudi sports promoter who has been instrumental in staging high-profile boxing events in the Kingdom. The original plan envisioned Alvarez returning to the ring in February 2026, potentially in Saudi Arabia, for the first of these two bouts. However, the elbow surgery now necessitates a revision of these plans, creating uncertainty about the timing and location of his future fights.

Alvarez’s recent performances have drawn considerable scrutiny from boxing analysts and fans alike. While he remains a formidable force in the super middleweight division, some observers have noted a decline in his offensive output and an increased reliance on his defensive skills. In his last three fights prior to the Crawford bout – against John Ryder, Jermell Charlo, and Jaime Munguia – Alvarez secured victories, but none were particularly dominant or showcased the explosive power that characterized his earlier career.

Against Ryder in May 2023, Alvarez won by unanimous decision, but the fight was considered a somewhat lackluster performance against a game but ultimately outmatched opponent. In September 2023, Alvarez faced Jermell Charlo, who moved up two weight divisions to challenge for Alvarez’s undisputed super middleweight titles. Alvarez again won by unanimous decision, controlling the fight with his jab and bodywork, but failing to secure a knockout. Most recently, in May 2024, Alvarez defeated Jaime Munguia by unanimous decision in a highly anticipated all-Mexican showdown. While Alvarez displayed flashes of brilliance, Munguia proved to be a resilient and determined opponent, landing several significant punches and pushing Alvarez throughout the fight.

Alvarez’s career trajectory has been marked by a willingness to take on challenging opponents across multiple weight divisions. He has held world titles in four different weight classes: light middleweight, middleweight, super middleweight, and light heavyweight. His resume includes victories over a host of prominent fighters, including Miguel Cotto, Gennady Golovkin, Daniel Jacobs, Sergey Kovalev, and Caleb Plant. However, his losses to Bivol and Crawford have raised questions about his ability to compete at the highest level against elite opponents, particularly those with superior size or technical skills.

The super middleweight division remains a highly competitive weight class, with several emerging contenders vying for title opportunities. David Benavidez, a two-time former WBC super middleweight champion, is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous punchers in the division. Other notable fighters include Christian Mbilli, Diego Pacheco, and Edgar Berlanga, all of whom possess the potential to challenge for world titles in the near future.

Alvarez’s absence from the ring will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the landscape of the super middleweight division. His undisputed status meant that he held all four major world titles (WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO), creating a clear hierarchy in the division. With Alvarez sidelined, the sanctioning bodies are likely to order fights for the vacant titles, potentially leading to a period of fragmentation and uncertainty in the division.

The timing of Alvarez’s return will also depend on the progress of his rehabilitation and his willingness to resume training at a high intensity. At 35 years old, Alvarez is entering the later stages of his career, and the physical demands of boxing can take a toll on even the most elite athletes. It remains to be seen whether Alvarez will be able to recapture the form that made him one of the most dominant fighters in the sport.

The financial implications of Alvarez’s delayed return are also significant. As one of the biggest draws in boxing, Alvarez commands substantial purses for his fights, generating significant revenue for promoters, broadcasters, and host venues. His absence from the ring will deprive the sport of one of its major attractions, potentially impacting television ratings, pay-per-view sales, and ticket revenue.

Furthermore, the delay could affect negotiations for future fights. Alvarez’s contract with Turk Alalshikh stipulated two more bouts, but the terms of those agreements may need to be renegotiated in light of his surgery and extended absence. It is possible that Alalshikh may seek to modify the financial terms of the contract or adjust the opponents that Alvarez is slated to face.

The situation also raises questions about Alvarez’s long-term future in boxing. While he has repeatedly stated his desire to continue fighting for several more years, the recent losses and the elbow surgery may prompt him to reassess his goals and priorities. It is conceivable that Alvarez could choose to retire from the sport altogether, particularly if he feels that he is no longer able to compete at the highest level.

For now, the focus remains on Alvarez’s recovery and rehabilitation. His fans and the boxing world will be closely monitoring his progress, eager to see him return to the ring and resume his pursuit of greatness. However, the road ahead will undoubtedly be challenging, and Alvarez will need to overcome both physical and mental hurdles to reclaim his place among the elite fighters in the sport.

The circumstances surrounding Alvarez’s injury and subsequent surgery also highlight the inherent risks associated with professional boxing. The sport places immense physical demands on its participants, and injuries are a common occurrence. Fighters often endure significant pain and discomfort in the pursuit of victory, and sometimes these injuries can have long-term consequences.

The elbow is a particularly vulnerable joint for boxers, as it is subjected to repeated stress from throwing punches. Over time, this can lead to a variety of injuries, including ligament tears, cartilage damage, and bone spurs. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damage and restore function to the joint.

The recovery process from elbow surgery can be lengthy and challenging, requiring extensive physical therapy and rehabilitation. Fighters must gradually rebuild their strength and range of motion, while also avoiding activities that could re-injure the joint. It can take several months, or even years, for a fighter to fully recover from elbow surgery and return to their previous level of performance.

Alvarez’s situation serves as a reminder of the sacrifices that boxers make in pursuit of their dreams. They put their bodies on the line every time they step into the ring, knowing that they are risking serious injury. The sport demands a tremendous amount of dedication, discipline, and resilience, and only a select few are able to reach the pinnacle of success.