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Canelo Álvarez’s Next Fight: Three Blockbuster Opponents For His 2026 Return After Surgery

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The boxing world is holding its breath for the return of Saul 'Canelo' Álvarez, the undisputed Super Middleweight Champion, following a challenging end to 2025. As of December 24, 2025, the Mexican superstar is officially sidelined, recovering from elbow surgery necessitated by his recent loss to Terence Crawford. Fans are now intensely focused on his 2026 calendar, with his traditional Cinco de Mayo and Mexican Independence Day weekends serving as the prime targets for his comeback.

The question of "Who is Canelo’s next fight?" is more complex than ever, as he faces a mandatory challenge and two high-stakes rematches. The consensus points to one of three mega-fights that will define the next chapter of his legendary career. His return to the ring is not just a fight; it’s a statement about his legacy and his ability to rebound from adversity.

Saul 'Canelo' Álvarez: Biography and Professional Profile

  • Full Name: Santos Saúl Álvarez Barragán
  • Nickname: Canelo (Cinnamon)
  • Date of Birth: July 18, 1990
  • Place of Birth: Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
  • Stance: Orthodox
  • Current Weight Class: Super Middleweight (Undisputed Champion)
  • Professional Record (As of Dec 2025): 64 Wins (45 KOs), 3 Losses, 2 Draws
  • Major Titles Held: Undisputed Super Middleweight Champion (WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO), Former Light Heavyweight (WBO), Middleweight (WBA, WBC, IBF), and Light Middleweight (WBA, WBC, WBO) Champion.
  • Most Recent Bout: Loss via Unanimous Decision to Terence Crawford (September 2025)
  • Current Status: Recovering from elbow surgery, targeting a 2026 return.

The Frontrunner: A Redemption Rematch Against Terence Crawford

The most immediate and highly-targeted fight for Canelo's 2026 return is a rematch against the man who handed him his third professional loss: pound-for-pound great, Terence "Bud" Crawford. The first bout in September 2025, which saw Crawford move up significantly in weight, ended in a unanimous decision loss for Canelo, a result that stunned many in the boxing world.

Cinco de Mayo 2026: The Target Date

Canelo has a long tradition of fighting on the Cinco de Mayo holiday weekend, and reports suggest he is actively pursuing the Crawford rematch for May 2026. This fight would be a massive Pay-Per-View event, likely taking place at the T-Mobile Arena or Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The stakes are astronomical. For Canelo, it is about redemption and proving the loss was an anomaly rather than a sign of decline. For Crawford, it’s a chance to solidify his position as one of the greatest boxers of all time, regardless of weight class.

However, the May date is complicated. David Benavidez, another top contender, has reportedly claimed the May 2026 date for a fight against Zurdo Ramirez, creating a scheduling challenge for Canelo's team.

The Unavoidable Challenge: David Benavidez for the Undisputed Title

For years, the fight that boxing fans have demanded—and Canelo has avoided—is against the "Mexican Monster," David Benavidez. Benavidez is the mandatory challenger for the WBC Super Middleweight title, and the pressure on Canelo to face him has reached a fever pitch.

The September 2026 Showdown

With the Cinco de Mayo slot potentially going to Crawford or being complicated by Benavidez's own schedule, the Mexican Independence Day weekend in September 2026 looms as the most likely timeline for the Canelo vs. Benavidez mega-fight. This would be a 168-pound undisputed championship clash, a true test of Canelo’s dominance in the division he unified.

Benavidez has been vocal about his desire to face Canelo, stating that the fight is now "bigger than ever" and predicting it will surpass the legendary Canelo-GGG trilogy in terms of scale and historical significance. A win over Benavidez would silence the critics who question Canelo's willingness to fight the toughest challengers in his weight class.

The Light Heavyweight Option: A Rematch with Dmitry Bivol

The second major rematch on the table is against the current undisputed Light Heavyweight champion, Dmitry Bivol. Bivol handed Canelo his second professional loss in 2022, and the desire for revenge has been a consistent theme in Canelo’s career discussions.

A Bigger Fight After Bivol's Victory

The potential for a Bivol rematch in 2026 has grown significantly, especially after Bivol’s recent victory over Artur Beterbiev, which made him the undisputed champion at 175 pounds. This victory elevates Bivol’s status and makes a second fight with Canelo even more compelling.

Sources suggest that Bivol’s manager is ready for a rematch as early as Spring 2026, possibly at the Light Heavyweight limit (175 lbs) again, or perhaps at a catchweight. Canelo has hinted at a return to the Light Heavyweight division, indicating he still harbors the ambition to avenge that loss.

This fight offers a different kind of legacy opportunity: the chance to become a two-time undisputed champion in two different weight classes, a feat that would solidify his status as an all-time great Mexican boxer.

The Road Ahead: Timeline and Speculation for Canelo Álvarez

Canelo’s recovery from elbow surgery is the primary factor dictating his schedule. While his team initially targeted a February 2026 return, the complexity of the operation and the need for full recovery have pushed his official comeback to the late spring or summer.

The promotional landscape also plays a role. Canelo’s recent fights have been promoted under various banners, and the financial offers from different promoters (such as PBC or Saudi Arabia's Skill Challenge Entertainment) will heavily influence his final decision.

Summary of Canelo's 2026 Potential Schedule:

  • May 2026 (Cinco de Mayo): The most likely target date for a Terence Crawford Rematch at Super Middleweight.
  • Spring 2026: A potential Dmitry Bivol Rematch at Light Heavyweight or a catchweight, given Bivol's recent undisputed status.
  • September 2026 (Mexican Independence Day): The highly anticipated David Benavidez mandatory defense for the Undisputed Super Middleweight Championship.

While the boxing world awaits an official announcement, the next fight for Canelo Álvarez will undoubtedly be one of the biggest events of 2026, regardless of the opponent. The undisputed champion is poised for a career-defining year as he seeks to regain the momentum lost in his last outing.

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