Philippines, 05 Feb 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:

  • Sumalinog Brothers Score Wins in Bohol; Sign with Monty Flores (PHOTOS)
    By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 05 Feb 2026
  • MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT WITH TEAM BOXING LEAGUE
    , Thu, 05 Feb 2026
  • Trifon Petrov unveils the signing of another USA Team member in Ariana Carrasco
    , Thu, 05 Feb 2026
  • Jerome Gonzales off to a marvelous start in J&P 10 Ball Cup at Pacman's Cue Club
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 05 Feb 2026
  • DCL amateur MMA on Feb. 21 at Sta. Lucia Mall
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 05 Feb 2026
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 3 FEBRUARY 2026: Shakur Schools Teofimo to Become 4-Division Champ; Zayas Unifies WBA/WBO Superwelter; Kelly Beats Murtazaliev
    By Eric Armit, , Wed, 04 Feb 2026
  • Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: A Grand Week for Boxing in NY
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Wed, 04 Feb 2026
  • Boxlab Promotions Euri Cedeno and Carlos De Leon Castro Shine in San Juan Victories
    , Wed, 04 Feb 2026
  • National Boxing Hall of Fame 2026 is set to April 26 in Montebello, California
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 04 Feb 2026
  • Vito Mielnicki Jr. Returns Home to Defend WBC USA, IBF USBA and WBO Global Middleweight Championships Against Omar Ulises Huerta
    , Wed, 04 Feb 2026
  • Noah Lucas Palcis sees action in Bangkok chess meet
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 04 Feb 2026
  • Reymond Yanong Edges Out Hayato Ono for Split Decision Win in Japan
    By Carlos Costa, , Tue, 03 Feb 2026
  • “I’m gonna smoke whoever is in front of me, Anthony Wright- Hearn makes his pro debut March 13 at Thunderdome 53
    , Tue, 03 Feb 2026
  • Pacman's Cue Club Hosts J&P 10 Ball Cup from Feb. 4 to 7
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 03 Feb 2026
  • Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge is back
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 03 Feb 2026
  • WILDER AND CHISORA FACE OFF IN ICONIC TIMES SQUARE TO ANNOUNCE APRIL 4 HEAVYWEIGHT SHOWDOWN AT THE O2 LONDON
    , Tue, 03 Feb 2026
  • World Boxing appoints Tom Dielen as new Secretary General
    , Tue, 03 Feb 2026
  • Sullivan Management signs 19-1 power-punching Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga
    , Tue, 03 Feb 2026
  • Another Grandeza in MMA is coming
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 03 Feb 2026
  • Gracie meets Zubiri in PH
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 02 Feb 2026
  • International Master Eric Labog Jr. rules FIDE rapid chess tourney
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 02 Feb 2026
  • 76ers star Paul George has been suspended for 25 NBA games by doping
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sun, 01 Feb 2026
  • Fit To Be Unified: Xander Zayas Defeats Abass Baraou To Unify Junior Middleweight World Titles
    , Sun, 01 Feb 2026
  • Fit To Be Unified: Xander Zayas Defeats Abass Baraou To Unify Junior Middleweight World Titles
    , Sun, 01 Feb 2026
  • Trazo beats Jabagat in Talisay
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 01 Feb 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.