Canelo Alvarez never strayed far from the conversation, even while away from the ring. After his September 2025 defeat to Terence Crawford, the longest layoff of his career began and so did the questions. Would this be the moment when Mexico’s biggest boxing star finally stepped aside? The rumors grew louder with each passing month.
For Alvarez, timing has always mattered. September has long been his month, tied closely to Mexican Independence Day and to some of the most defining moments of his career. Four straight years, four September appearances, each framed as something bigger than boxing alone. At 35, and still one of the sport’s most recognizable faces worldwide, he was never going to return quietly or randomly.
The loss to Crawford was only the third of Alvarez’s professional career, but it carried weight. It marked the first time in years that questions about decline felt realistic. Still, history offered perspective. The only comparable break came between his two fights with Gennady Golovkin in 2017 and 2018, a pause that ultimately led to renewed momentum rather than retreat.
That context makes the announcement of his return feel deliberate rather than reactive.
“Wait for us on the 12th of September… Big, big, big fight. This will be the first card for Canelo Promotions. It will be named ‘Mexico against the World.’ All the fighters from the team of Canelo against the world. The champion in the main event for a world title. [His opponent] will be a surprise…
Canelo Alvarez in 2026: A new date, a new role, a bigger stage
Alvarez will return to the ring on September 12, 2026, headlining an event titled Mexico against the World. The card will launch Canelo Promotions, his own promotional company, and will be staged in Saudi Arabia with Riyadh Season as the event sponsor. Turki Alalshikh confirmed the details, promising a world title fight and a surprise opponent in the main event.
The move signals more than just a comeback. Alvarez is still tied to Alalshikh through a four-fight Riyadh Season agreement, with two bouts remaining. Riyadh Season is not a licensed boxing promoter, which has allowed Alvarez to work with different promotional partners, including Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing. Starting his own promotion gives him greater control without breaking those ties.
This path is familiar among elite fighters. Oscar De La Hoya set the blueprint with Golden Boy, and Floyd Mayweather later refined it. More recently, active champions like Devin Haney and Claressa Shields have taken on similar dual roles. ESPN and BoxingScene have both highlighted the trend as fighters seek long-term leverage beyond their final bouts.
As for the opponent, speculation is wide open. A jump to light heavyweight had been discussed, but Terence Crawford’s retirement has reopened the super middleweight title picture. According to The Ring, all four belts are back in play, and Alvarez remains central to any unification conversation.
Canelo’s return is not just about another fight. It is about control, timing, and extending his influence in a sport that still revolves around his name.
Read the full article here
