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

Alvarez, who turned 35 this year, suffered a unanimous decision loss to Crawford on September 13 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, relinquishing his undisputed super middleweight title in the process. The fight marked Crawford’s historic achievement as the first male boxer to become a three-division undisputed champion in the four-belt era, a feat previously unmatched in the modern boxing landscape. The event was also notable as the inaugural promotion under the Zuffa Boxing banner, spearheaded by UFC CEO Dana White.

The setback against Crawford was only Alvarez’s second defeat since his loss to Dmitry Bivol in May 2022, a fight in which he moved up to the light heavyweight division. Prior to the Crawford fight, Alvarez had successfully defended his super middleweight titles against John Ryder in May 2023 and Jermell Charlo in September 2023.

The elbow surgery and subsequent recovery period present a significant hurdle for Alvarez, who had previously committed to two more fights under a promotional agreement with Saudi sports promoter Turk Alalshikh. Initial plans reportedly included a February 2026 bout, a timeline now rendered impossible due to the surgery.

Sources indicate that Alvarez had been experiencing persistent pain in his elbow for several weeks before opting for surgical intervention. The procedure is expected to require a recovery period of at least two months, with a further 12 to 15 weeks needed before he can resume full training. This timeline effectively rules out any possibility of Alvarez fighting before April 2026, at the earliest.

The delay in Alvarez’s return has significant implications for the boxing landscape, particularly in the super middleweight division. Alvarez has been the dominant force in the 168-pound division for several years, unifying all four major titles and defeating a string of top contenders. His absence will create opportunities for other fighters to stake their claim to the throne.

Potential opponents for Alvarez upon his return remain a subject of speculation. Before the Crawford fight, names such as David Benavidez, Edgar Berlanga, and Jaime Munguia were frequently mentioned as possible future opponents. Benavidez, in particular, has been a vocal challenger for Alvarez’s titles, and a fight between the two has been highly anticipated by boxing fans.

However, the loss to Crawford and the subsequent surgery could alter Alvarez’s future plans. He may opt for a less challenging opponent in his comeback fight to regain momentum or pursue a rematch with Crawford to reclaim his titles. The decision will likely depend on his physical condition after the surgery and his assessment of the landscape in the super middleweight division at the time.

The emergence of Crawford as a force in the super middleweight division also adds a new dimension to the equation. Crawford’s victory over Alvarez established him as the new king of the division, and a potential rematch between the two would be a major draw for boxing fans worldwide.

The circumstances surrounding the Zuffa Boxing promotion of the Alvarez-Crawford fight are also noteworthy. The event marked Dana White’s entry into the world of professional boxing, and Zuffa Boxing has since announced a long-term media rights deal with Paramount+, which will stream 12 boxing events in 2026. The deal signifies a growing interest in boxing from major media companies and could lead to further investment in the sport.

Alvarez’s career has been marked by a series of high-profile fights and championship victories. He has held world titles in four different weight divisions, from light middleweight to light heavyweight, and has faced some of the biggest names in boxing, including Floyd Mayweather Jr., Miguel Cotto, Gennady Golovkin, and Sergey Kovalev.

His record stands at 60 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws, with 39 knockouts. Despite the recent loss to Crawford, Alvarez remains one of the most popular and recognizable figures in boxing, and his return to the ring will be eagerly anticipated by fans worldwide.

The injury and subsequent surgery raise questions about the long-term impact on Alvarez’s career. While elbow injuries are common in boxing, they can be debilitating and affect a fighter’s punching power and overall performance. The success of the surgery and the effectiveness of his rehabilitation will be crucial in determining his ability to compete at the highest level in the future.

The situation also highlights the physical toll that boxing takes on its athletes. Alvarez has been competing professionally since the age of 15, and the accumulation of years of training and fighting has undoubtedly taken a toll on his body. As he enters the later stages of his career, managing injuries and maintaining his physical condition will become increasingly important.

The details surrounding Alvarez’s contract with Turk Alalshikh are also of interest. The agreement for two more fights suggests that Alvarez intends to continue fighting despite the recent setback. However, the terms of the contract and the potential opponents for those fights remain unclear.

The delay in Alvarez’s return to the ring also impacts the plans of other fighters in the super middleweight division. Many fighters were hoping to secure a fight against Alvarez, and his absence will force them to reassess their strategies.

The boxing world will be closely monitoring Alvarez’s recovery from surgery and his plans for the future. His return to the ring will be a major event, and his performance in his comeback fight will be closely scrutinized. Whether he can regain his status as the king of the super middleweight division remains to be seen.

In the meantime, the division will continue to evolve, with new contenders emerging and existing champions vying for supremacy. The absence of Alvarez creates an opportunity for other fighters to make their mark and establish themselves as the top dogs in the 168-pound division. The next year promises to be an exciting one for boxing fans, with plenty of drama and intrigue in the super middleweight division and beyond.