Philippines, 08 Apr 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Canelo Alvarez Facing Extended Layoff After Crawford Loss; Surgery Confirms Injury Rumors


PhilBoxing.com




A few weeks after suffering a historic loss to Terence Crawford in their undisputed mega-fight on Netflix, Mexican boxing superstar Saul “Canelo” Álvarez has confirmed he will undergo surgery, potentially sidelining him until mid-2026. The news, reported widely across boxing outlets, substantiates the circulating rumors that the Mexican champion entered the ring on September 13th carrying a significant injury.

Canelo, the undisputed super middleweight champion, is expected to have an operation on his left elbow, an issue that reportedly bothered him throughout his training camp and during the 12-round unanimous decision defeat to Crawford. While the exact details of the injury and the necessary procedure have not been officially disclosed by his team, reports indicate it is a major surgery that will require extensive recovery and rehabilitation.

The timing of the surgery casts a shadow of doubt over the narrative of Crawford’s historic achievement, as the P4P king not only became a five-division champion but also the first male boxer to achieve undisputed status in three weight classes. While Crawford’s performance was dominant, the post-fight injury reveal inevitably sparks the long-anticipated debate: did the injury significantly hamper Canelo’s ability to perform at his best?

The expected recovery period suggests that Canelo will be out of action for at least a year, ruling him out of his traditional Cinco de Mayo and September fight dates in 2025. According to several reports, the earliest fans could see the "Face of Boxing" return to the ring would be mid-2026.

This extended absence immediately puts potential high-profile matchups, including a much-discussed rematch with Crawford or a long-awaited mandatory defense against David Benavidez, on indefinite hold.

Canelo’s loss to Crawford was only the third of his legendary career, following defeats to Floyd Mayweather Jr. and, later, Dmitry Bivol at light heavyweight. His decision to proceed with the bout despite the rumored injury is being lauded by some for his warrior spirit but questioned by others regarding the financial implications and his willingness to take such a risk in a high-stakes mega-fight.

The boxing world will now turn its attention to Crawford, who will need to decide his next move without the immediate prospect of a lucrative rematch, and to the super middleweight division, which will await the return of its reigning king.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 7 APRIL 2026: Santiago Retains WBA/WBO Titles in Tokyo; Taduran KOs Perez in 5; Price Decisions Aquino; Wins by Wilder, Bentley and Tim Tszyu
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 07 Apr 2026
  • Carlo Biado is the last Filipino standing in the 2026 Yalin WPA Men's 8-Ball World Championship
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 07 Apr 2026
  • Unification next for Taduran?
    By Joaquin Henson, , Tue, 07 Apr 2026
  • BEN WHITTAKER REPLACES INJURED CALLUM SMITH AS THE NEW MAIN EVENT FOR LIVERPOOL FIGHT NIGHT ON APRIL 18 – LIVE ON DAZN
    , Tue, 07 Apr 2026
  • Filipino chess phenom triumphs at Krefelder Osteropen 2026 chess tournament in Germany
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 07 Apr 2026
  • ProBoxTV Travels to Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, This Friday, April 10, as Hebert Conceicao Sousa Battles Power-Punching South American Johan Gonzalez in Middleweight Main Event
    , Tue, 07 Apr 2026
  • Yokasta Valle vs Lourdes Juarez for WBC Female world championship?
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 07 Apr 2026
  • GM Joey Antonio ties for 10th in Canberra chess meet
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 07 Apr 2026
  • Canelo Expected to Return on September 15 in Riyadh
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 07 Apr 2026
  • Ring Masters Championships 2026 Finals April 10 at Madison Square Garden
    , Tue, 07 Apr 2026
  • Jeffrey de Luna keep the Philippines alive in the 2026 Yalin WPA Men's 8-ball World Championship in St. Louis, Missouri, USA
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 07 Apr 2026
  • NOTHING BUT SPORTZ PRESENTS GAMBOA & RIGONDEAUX — MAY 2 IN MIAMI ONE NIGHT. SAME CARD. HAVANA HEAT
    , Mon, 06 Apr 2026
  • Wilkens Mathieu Against Olympic Medallist Esquiva Falcao at the Théâtre Capitole of Quebec City on June 11!
    , Mon, 06 Apr 2026
  • National Master Jasper Faeldonia rules Romblon chessfest
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 06 Apr 2026
  • Twin wins for Pinoy boxers
    By Joaquin Henson, , Sun, 05 Apr 2026
  • NM Buto spearheads Goldland Chess Club
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 05 Apr 2026
  • Andreas Cortes vs Eridson Garcia Tops Paramount Plus Card
    By Chris Carlson, , Sun, 05 Apr 2026
  • Chris "Sandman" Thomas Back in the Win Column
    , Sun, 05 Apr 2026
  • Taduran Stops Pérez in 7, and “Still” IBF 105 Champion
    By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 04 Apr 2026
  • Pedro Taduran Scores Sensational Stoppage Over Gustavo PÉRez ÁLvarez in IBF Minimumweight World Championship Main Event
    , Sat, 04 Apr 2026
  • BROWN STOPS DUCAR TO LAND FIRST PRO TITLES
    , Sat, 04 Apr 2026
  • Guy Jutras, a gentleman and pilgrim of world boxing, passes away
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 04 Apr 2026
  • GM Joey Antonio keeps Philippine flag alive, posts hard-earned win in Canberra chess meet
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 04 Apr 2026
  • TWO WORLD TITLE FIGHTS CONFIRMED FOR ‘GLORY IN GIZA’ UNDERCARD
    , Sat, 04 Apr 2026
  • MANSOUR AND BALLO MAKE WAVES WITH UNPRECEDENTED OPEN WORKOUT ABOARD CITY CRUISES ADMIRAL HORNBLOWER AHEAD OF SD FIGHT NIGHT: FAMILY BUSINESS
    , Sat, 04 Apr 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.