It’s no secret that the great Mexican boxer, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, is on the verge of retirement. After being stripped in one night of his four belts that endorsed him as the super middleweight world champion against Terence Crawford in September 2025, the following month he underwent elbow surgery to stay active as a professional boxer. In the midst of 2026, Canelo has overcome the recovery and rehabilitation process to resume exercises in the gym in preparation for his return to the ring.
The date set for the return to the ring is Saturday, September 12, where he does not yet have a confirmed opponent, but five months before the fight in Saudi Arabia, it is expected that his next opponent will soon be announced. Canelo Alvarez signed a four-fight contract (with the possibility of a fifth) with promoter and Saudi Sheikh Turki Alalshikh, where so far only two fights have been held. While the opponent is being decided, the Guadalajara-born boxer remains active in his business activities, which have generated juicy dividends.
What new business has Canelo Alvarez started?
The legacy that Saul Alvarez has built outside the ring is as vast as his boxing success with the creation of Grupo Canelo, a conglomerate of investments in multiple areas such as boxing promotion, construction, gas stations, convenience stores, energy drinks and alcohol, transportation and real estate. Now the former 147-pound champion has decided to tackle a new field of business: entertainment.
The Mexican boxer announced a new agreement with the company “Box to Box Films”, the same company that created projects such as ‘Drive to Survive’ and various documentaries linked to great sports stars. It will be under the “Canelo Media” banner and will be based in Mexico, although its reach will extend mainly throughout Latin America, as well as other countries around the world. The aim is to produce a variety of products such as documentaries, original programs, live events and short-form projects, presumably related to the lives of great athletes.
This project seeks to bring untold stories to life, push creative boundaries and build a leading sports and entertainment platform. I have always believed in working alongside the best in their respective fields, and with Box to Box I have found the ideal partner to achieve this.
What businesses does Canelo Alvarez have in and outside of Mexico?
Canelo Alvarez’s business vision is very successful. From his broadcasting rights deals with DAZN five years ago to his $100 million four-fight deal with Turki Alalshikh, he has become one of the highest-paid sportsmen in the world. Beyond the punches, the Mexican has built an empire with his name in different areas such as the following:
- Canelo Energy: A chain of gas stations that began with stations in Jalisco and Nayarit, with plans for national expansion.
- Upper, by Canelo Energy: Convenience stores designed to compete with established chains such as Oxxo or 7-Eleven.
- Canelo Promotions: Boxing promoter dedicated to the organization of events and representation of fighters.
- Canelo Store: Marketing of official “Canelo” brand clothing and merchandise.
- Yaoca: Line of nutrition products, supplements and hydrating drinks.
- BMC (Beverages): Energy and alcoholic drinks.
- Canelo Shows: Promoter of artistic and musical events.
- Canelo Media: A company focused on entertainment and content production.
- Investments in Real Estate and Transportation: Participation in the real estate sector and transport lines.
Who will be the next boxer to face Canelo Alvarez?
Canelo Alvarez continues his preparations for the fight on September 12 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where his trainer and personal manager Eddy Reynoso acknowledged the possibility that it will be Christian M’billi. The certainty is, as Sheikh Turki Alalshikh hinted, that he will face a world champion, so the Frenchman, who is currently the WBC monarch, is well placed to appear in this fight
However, other names have been mentioned, such as Hamzah Sheeraz, a British fighter who will fight for the WBO belt in Egypt on May 23. Guatemalan Lester Martinez, who is the interim WBC champion, has also been mentioned. Although there are several names on the table, it is the Arab promoter who will make the decision.
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