Canelo Alvarez will take a year-long break from the ring, leaving the May 2 date open for David Benavidez and Gilberto Ramírez.

The four-division champion’s focus is squarely on a potential rematch with Terence Crawford later in the year.

Reynoso Confirms Year-Long Break
Trainer Eddy Reynoso told TV Azteca, “No, in May there will be no fight. In May, we are going to rest, and we are going to resume in September.”

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The veteran trainer added that Canelo recently underwent a successful operation on his left elbow and has been working on his recovery while fulfilling promotional commitments.

“That’s what he wants, the rematch with Crawford. Let’s see if it can be in September, and that’s the goal—to seek revenge and get rid of the thorn,” Reynoso said.

Benavidez vs Ramírez Now Takes Center Stage
With Canelo stepping aside, the previously announced May 2 date is now free for Benavidez and Ramírez to headline, giving both fighters time to prepare for a critical super middleweight showdown.

Canelo’s early announcement effectively cleared the calendar for the rival clash, allowing Benavidez and Ramírez to focus entirely on their bout.

Crawford Rematch and Titles in Question
When Canelo finally faces Terence Crawford, the bout may be Ring Magazine title only, depending on whether Crawford takes an interim fight at super middleweight beforehand.

Crawford has already been stripped of the WBC title and could have no other belts by September if mandatory obligations are ignored, adding uncertainty to the stakes.

His recent activity suggests he fights only once per year and is tipped to compete at middleweight, making the timing of a September clash a key factor in Canelo’s long-term plans.

Canelo’s Strategic Pause
Alvarez’s year-long hiatus is about more than rest; it gives him time to prepare for one of the most skilled fighters of his generation.

By spacing out his schedule, focusing on rehabilitation, and allowing Crawford’s path to develop, Canelo ensures that when the rematch occurs, he will be at his physical and tactical peak.

Looking Ahead
For now, Canelo’s pause reshapes the landscape. Benavidez vs. Ramírez now has full focus on May 2.

Fans and analysts wait to see how Crawford’s activity—and potential lack of titles—will impact the high-stakes rematch later in the year. We will continue to track developments as both bouts take shape.

Terence Crawford Drops 5-Word Reaction To Canelo Alvarez Rematch News

There have been conflicting opinions about whether the boxing world wants to see a rematch between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford, after these two pound-for-pound greats fought three months ago.

Most Canelo fans want to see the rematch, if only to see their beloved boxer get a chance to avenge his unanimous decision defeat to Crawford, who didn’t let being the smaller man keep him from dominating Canelo during that September 13 bout.

However, given that the fight was one-sided, many other boxing fans would prefer to see both guys move on with their careers and face somebody fresh in their next bout, whenever that might be.

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Canelo has made it clear what he wants to do. Last month, cameras caught him saying that he intends to rematch Crawford in his next bout (which would arrive at some point in 2026) and that initial negotiations are already underway for that bout to occur.

The initial thought was that this rematch would be scheduled for Cinco De Mayo weekend, since Canelo almost always fights on that weekend and Mexican Independence Day weekend in mid-September.

However, Canelo’s head coach, Eddy Reynoso, told TV Azteca on December 12 that Canelo intends to skip fighting in Cinco De Mayo weekend in 2026 and instead focus on returning against Crawford next September.

Terence Crawford Reacts to Canelo Alvarez Rematch Assertion

Canelo can say whatever he wants, of course. But he’s no longer the A-side in this showdown with Crawford after Crawford took his undisputed super middleweight belts by beating him. Now, Canelo is subject to what Crawford wants to do.

And a comment Crawford made when asked about these comments from Canelo’s team during a December 13 interview with FightHype suggests he isn’t completely on board with a September rematch — at least not yet.

“That’s new news to me,” Crawford said when told about Canelo’s comments to skip fighting in May to prepare for a rematch against Crawford in September, per a YouTube video from FightHype.

Crawford didn’t sound overly enthused about this idea. Then again, he isn’t subject to Canelo’s rematch wishes. And even if he does want to rematch Canelo, he could presumably take another fight in the interim and still be ready in time to rematch Canelo if he desires.

But Crawford typically only fights once per year at this point. And since he’s near the end of his professional career, he has to pick his next bout wisely.

Former undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez has never taken a rematch after suffering a loss.

However, that’s not the only tradition he is willing to break after his devastating loss to Terence Crawford in September. ‘Bud’ produced a boxing master class to dominate Alvarez and secured a unanimous decision. Since then, TV Azteca reported that the Mexican superstar has been plotting a rematch with Crawford.

Meanwhile, Crawford’s coach Bernie Davis has revealed that the only way ‘Bud’ may consider a rematch would be if he gets paid the big bucks. How big? Well, he wants $100 million for the fight. While there’s no update on whether those terms are met, Canelo does have two more fights left in his contract with the money man—His Excellency Turki Alalshikh. And to make the fight happen, Alvarez is also willing to break his long-standing tradition.

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Canelo Alvarez breaks five-year streak 

According to Salvador Rodriguez of ESPN Knockout, Canelo Alvarez’s head trainer, Eddie Reynoso, has confirmed that the Mexican star will not compete in May, breaking a tradition he has followed for years. “The renowned Mexican coach and manager, Eddie Reynoso, has just confirmed that Saul Canelo Álvarez’s return will be [by] September,” Rodriguez said in his report, per translation. “This, looking for a rematch against Terence Crawford.”

That said, Reynoso clarified that this does not mean negotiations between Canelo and Crawford have progressed. Rodriguez claimed that Crawford remains Plan A for Canelo’s return in September. But nothing has been finalized. For context, the last time Canelo did not fight during Cinco de Mayo weekend was in 2020, a disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, his absence in May has also been influenced by recent elbow surgery.

With Canelo out of the picture, May is now expected to feature a clash between David Benavidez and Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez. Premier Boxing Champions has reportedly approached the Nevada Athletic Commission to secure a Las Vegas date, and Benavidez has further supported that timeline by announcing his move up to cruiserweight for a May 2 bout against Ramirez after his recent win over Anthony Yarde.

While Reynoso has not outlined a clear Plan B for Canelo, recent developments could offer clues about his next opponent. The WBC recently stripped Terence Crawford of his title after he failed to pay $300,000 in sanctioning fees, leaving the belt vacant. Hamzah Sheeraz and Christian Mbilli are now set to fight for the title, and the winner could emerge as a potential opponent for Alvarez, despite Canelo coming off a loss.

While this remains speculative, capturing that belt could position Alvarez for an undisputed showdown with Crawford in a future rematch. Despite confirmation from Eddie Reynoso, though, Canelo’s former promoter thinks he knows what Canelo wants next.

Oscar De La Hoya says Terence Crawford ain’t it

Oscar De La Hoya believes Canelo Alvarez is unlikely to jump straight back into elite competition following his loss to Terence Crawford. He suggests the Mexican star will instead look for an easier assignment. Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, the Golden Boy Promotions chief said, “I think Canelo is going to try and pick a soft opponent for his next fight.”

However, De La Hoya is not convinced that Turki Alalshikh will approve such a move. “Given the fact that he has such a lucrative contract with Turki [Alalshikh], I don’t think Turki is going to let him,” he added. “I don’t think Turki will allow him to fight a softie, because there is a lot of money being paid out to Canelo.”

Looks like Oscar De La Hoya was proven wrong. But Canelo Alvarez may not end up fighting Terence Crawford anyway, which will prove Oscar right. But what do you think? Does Canelo Alvarez really want a rematch with Crawford? Or is this just posturing?

Will Canelo Alvarez fight again – and if so, against whom?

We won’t get a clearer picture until next year, once the Mexican star has had time to process the third loss of his career. Terence Crawford followed Floyd Mayweather and Dmitry Bivol in outclassing Canelo – and, like those before him, was never in any real danger of being beaten.

Next summer, one of this century’s biggest boxing attractions turns 36. With 68 fights and 532 rounds behind him, the finish line is approaching, but Mexican pride and a fighter’s ego make it hard to imagine Alvarez bowing out on a defeat.

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So who could he face next? Here are three realistic options.

Terence Crawford

During a visit to TV Azteca, Canelo made it clear he intends to fight in 2026 – and that he wants a rematch with “Bud” Crawford. Losing his undisputed super-middleweight crown to a man who began his title run at lightweight will have stung. Motivation won’t be an issue, but few will expect Canelo to overturn September’s result against someone of Crawford’s calibre.

Hamzah Sheeraz

Since Hamzah Sheeraz linked up with Turki Alalshikh and Riyadh Season, one opponent has remained central to their ambitions: Canelo Alvarez. The loss to Crawford may have dented Sheeraz’s title momentum, but the chance to dethrone the former king still appeals.

Canelo, meanwhile, may look at Sheeraz’s explosive win over Edgar Berlanga and fancy the opportunity to tame the rising threat and send him home humbled.

Chris Eubank Jr

As part of Canelo’s multi-fight Riyadh Season deal, several names were discussed had he beaten Crawford, and one of those earmarked for 2026 was Chris Eubank Jr.

Both men have suffered damaging defeats in the second half of 2025, but if Alvarez chooses to fight overseas, London would be the obvious destination. And few British fighters can generate stadium crowds and major revenue like Eubank Jr. In boxing, some moments are events first and fights second – and Canelo–Eubank Jr fits that mould.

Whomever Canelo chooses, the options are limited. Any return must make sense financially and competitively. Between middleweight and super-middleweight, there are not many opponents who bring everything he requires to the table.

Canelo Alvarez can regain WBC championship, Crawford attacks Mauricio Sulaiman

The controversy surrounds the World Boxing Council (WBC) after it decided to strip Terence Crawford of his super middleweight belt for defeating Canelo Alvarez last September.

The organization chaired by Mauricio Sulaiman explained that Crawford (42-0) did not pay the corresponding fees for his last two fights despite several attempts to communicate with him without receiving a response, so he was stripped of the belt for non-compliance.

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Saul Alvarez can regain his world championship

“The WBC sent multiple communications to champion Crawford, his manager and his legal counsel. Unfortunately, the WBC did not receive acknowledgment or response to any of those communications. The WBC had no choice but to act, considering that champion Crawford had been given ample notice and multiple opportunities to address and resolve the situation,” the WBC said in a statement on Wednesday, December 3.

And with his title vacant, the WBC has Saul Alvarez (63-3-2) at the top of the list of contenders, as he is the best ranked in the division, but he must request it, as there are two before him who would dispute it: Christian Mbili (29-0-1) and Hamzah Sheeraz (22-0-1).

“He (Canelo) had surgery, that’s why he was not touched. He is number one and will be ready for when he notifies us that he is in a position to return to fight. He has the doors open and a direct fight for the championship if he so requests,” Sulaiman explained.

Terence Crawford responds to Sulaiman

Faced with the WBC’s decision, Crawford responds to Mauricio Sulaiman and questions him for asking more than other organizations do for fees.

“Who the hell do you think I am? You better slap yourself. I’m not going to pay you. What are you talking about? What makes you f***ing better than the other organizations? The WBA, the WBO and the IBF accepted what I gave them… but you didn’t. You, the WBC, think you’re better than everyone else, don’t you?

And then he says I supposedly made 50 million in the fight with Alvarez. You don’t know how much I made. Again, you’re speculating. So listen, Mauricio: I appreciate you, because everybody knows you were going with Canelo. You were upset because I beat Canelo. It’s okay, those things happen. If you were a true fan of the sport, you would have said ‘congratulations’ instead of putting that little smile on your face, all angry and pouting. You should have taken the money and you should have been grateful that I was carrying your belt as your champion, the WBC champion, the undisputed champion

Then you, the WBC and your damn green belt that means nothing. The real belt is the Ring’s, and that’s free. You can keep your damn belt. It’s just a trophy anyway. Why do I have to pay you every time I step into the ring? It doesn’t make sense. I’m the one risking my life in there, not you. You should be paying me to carry your belt, to be honest,” The Bud said in an Instagram live stream.

Terence Crawford Claps Back at WBC For Stripping Him of World Title

It did not take long for Terence Crawford to clap back at the WBC for stripping him of their world championship belt that he won just a matter of months ago for beating Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in boxing.

In September, Crawford pulled off one of the most impressive performances of his entire career as he jumped multiple weight classes to beat Canelo in the Mexican’s own weight class, wresting all the major super middleweight world titles from his waist, and leaving the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas as the sport’s pound-for-pound No.1-ranked fighter.

There has been great speculation as to what’s next for ‘Bud’, whether that’s a rematch against Canelo in the 168-pound division, a drop to middleweight to take on one of the champions there to become a six-weight ruler like Oscar de la Hoya, or even a crossover type fight against the likes of UFC superstar Ilia Topuria.

But shortly after besting Canelo, the WBC removed Crawford’s status as a champion. And now Crawford has responded.

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As earlier Wednesday, the WBC said, through its president Mauricio Sulaiman, that it stripped Crawford of the title over an apparent failure to pay sanctioning fees for his last two fights. The fees totalled $300,000 following the Canelo win, just for that one sanctioning body.

Crawford responded within hours during a live stream on social media. “Him saying I’m not paying him $300,000 plus another $100k or something for sanctioning fees, right. Then he tells me I haven’t even apologized, like, who the f*** you think I am? You better slap your f****** self.”

He continued: “What makes you better than any of the other sanctioning bodies? Answer that question. What makes you better than the WBO, IBF, or the WBA. Everybody accepted what I was giving them, but you think you’re better than everybody.”

Crawford Diminishes The WBC’s Relevence

Crawford then diminished the relevance of sanctioning bodies in boxing in the modern era, suggesting that the real champion in the fight game is the one who wears The Ring belt. Boxing financier Turki Alalshikh bought The Ring from Oscar de la Hoya and, though it’s traditionally been a media publication, under Alalshikh’s stewardship through COO Rick Reeno, it’s become more than that, and a combat sports promotion in and of itself.

“The real belt is The Ring belt,” Crawford said, “which is free.”

“So why should I have to pay carry your belt? You should be paying me!”

Terence Crawford, the undisputed super middleweight champ, is demanding a $100 million purse to grant Canelo Alvarez a rematch.

In September, Crawford moved up two weight classes from 154 lbs to 168 lbs to defeat Canelo by a dominant unanimous decision. The victory made Bud the first male boxer in history to achieve undisputed status across three different weight classes, solidifying his claim as the pound-for-pound best in the world.

Despite the decisive nature of the first contest, reports indicated that Canelo wants a second shot at Crawford. While negotiations are reportedly underway, the dynamics have changed. Canelo’s purse for the first fight was approximately $150 million, while Crawford’s was significantly lower, allegedly in the region of $50 million. Now, Crawford holds all the leverage. One of Crawford’s trainers, Bernie Tha Boxer, says the figure is $100 million for a rematch.

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“Let me say this one last time, if they don’t give him $100 million, it ain’t happening. Them is Crawford’s words,” Bernie Tha Boxer

Does Bud Deserve It?

The most powerful argument for Crawford’s demand is the massive financial disparity of the initial bout. By demanding $100 million for the rematch, Crawford is simply seeking a figure that reflects his newly acquired status as the winner and the new undisputed champion. This demand serves to rebalance the scales.

Canelo’s entire motivation for the rematch is to reclaim his undisputed status and restore his legacy, which was tarnished by the decisive loss. Crawford now holds the asset Canelo needs. In the business of boxing, the person who holds the power is justified in setting the price for the challenger who desperately wants it back. The $100 million is the price for Canelo to get his legacy back.

Canelo Chases Crawford Rematch With No Other Options

Canelo Alvarez’s decision to take on Terence Crawford in a rematch in 2026 is one of necessity. The Mexican star has no other options but to try and avenge his loss to the soon-to-be 39-year-old Crawford (42-0, 31 KOs.

As Chris Mannix mentions, Canelo (63-3-2, 39 KOs) lacks options at super middleweight against notable fighters. Crawford is better known than the top fighters at 168 lb.

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“Crawford, his people have told me they’ve offered Canelo the rematch a couple of times in the last few months,” said Chris Mannix on his channel. “He [Canelo] is looking for a Terence Crawford rematch next year. He’s probably talking about September 2026.

“This is the first time that we’ve heard Canelo say publicly that he wants a rematch with [Crawford].” The payday that Canelo will get fighting Crawford again would draw if he were to fight anyone else, aside from David Benavidez.

“This one stings,” said Sergio Mora about Canelo losing to an older, smaller Crawford. “Bud Crawford isn’t bigger, stronger, or younger.

He just lost to a fighter that he shouldn’t have lost against for all the belts. That he needs to get back.” Alvarez could have turned down the Crawford fight. It would have saved himself the humiliation of losing to a smaller, older fighter..

It would have been better for him to have agreed to face David Benavidez. At least if Canelo lost to Benavidez, he wouldn’t look as bad due to his being smaller and older. “Maybe the injuries held him back in training camp.

Because it was a great performance on Bud’s part, I want to see if he can do it again. I want to see if Canelo can find another way to beat this man.” It wasn’t the injuries that caused Canelo to gas out after eight rounds.

That was his cardio, which has been a problem for him for years. A rematch won’t be any different. For Alvarez to win, he’s got to build up a wide enough lead in the first seven rounds so that Crawford can’t come on late to steal a decision.

“Canelo has nowhere to go. He’s in the twilight of his career, and he’s already cleaned out everyone relevant at 168,” said Mannix.

Money-wise, Canelo’s best payday besides a fight against David Benavidez would be against Crawford in a rematch. He hasn’t “cleaned out” the 168-lb division.

Several fighters would have an excellent chance of beating him, but they’re not as popular as Crawford. He wasn’t popular until Turki Alalshikh started putting him in the main events on his cards.

Canelo has no choice but to try to avenge his loss to Crawford. It looks bad on his part that he didn’t push for the rematch immediately after losing last September.