With just months to go until his blockbuster showdown with Terence Crawford, undisputed super-middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez surprised fans and pundits by hinting that retirement may not be far off.
During a recent media appearance, Alvarez suggested that fighting Crawford could mark “the end” of his illustrious boxing career, and he’s already planning his exit.
Fresh off his fifth consecutive undisputed title defense, Alvarez is gearing up to face Crawford on September 13 at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas.
But even as boxing’s biggest fight hits the promotional circuit, the Mexican icon is already eyeing life beyond the sport.
A legendary reign, a finite timeline
In candid remarks to the press, Canelo admitted he has long discussed hanging up his gloves upon turning 38. At 34, he told the Daily Mail: “My body is fine, I can keep fighting for several more years. 37 is the age I want to retire, not for boxing to retire me. I don’t need to do it for the money or legacy. I said I was going to retire at 37 and I’m sure I will.”
Signed to a landmark four-fight agreement with Saudi-backed promoter Turki Alalshikh, Alvarez has one bout remaining after Crawford, both inside and beyond the ring he indicates he’s already preparing for that final bell.
According to boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, “I think the Crawford fight will be his last fight,” citing Canelo’s conservative engagement in recent camps and the toll it takes on his ageing body.
The Crawford fight: A fitting finale?
The mega-fight with undefeated Terence “Bud” Crawford represents the ultimate test for Alvarez-and potentially a perfect closing chapter.
Crawford, a three-weight undisputed champion, will ascend to 168 pounds for the bout. While himself entertaining retirement talk after the high-stakes match, Crawford knows a win would etch his own legacy.
For Alvarez, this could be the defining fight that sums up a decorated career, four weight-class titles, multiple marquee victories, and hundreds of millions earned in the process. Another fight, say, a classic trilogy with David Benavidez or rematch with Dmitry Bivol, could follow, but Alvarez sees 37 as a natural endpoint.
Alvarez‘s decision reflects far more than boxing wear-and-tear. Over the years, he’s balanced intense training with family life: married to Fernanda, father to Emily, Maria, and Saul Adiel. In interviews, he’s emphasized: “All I want is for you to be happy with what you do… I’ll be there to support you.”
As much as he loves boxing, Alvarez is mindful of the emotional and physical demands of further championship runs, and wants to retire on his own terms.
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