Canelo Alvarez Facing Extended Layoff After Crawford Loss; Surgery Confirms Injury Rumors
By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 30 Sep 2025
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.
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