Canelo Alvarez has built one of the most decorated careers in boxing history, but his recent performances have stirred speculation about an impending retirement.
In his latest bout against William Scull in Saudi Arabia, the Mexican star secured a unanimous decision win.
At 35 years old, Canelo is preparing for what could be one of the most anticipated and defining fights of his career. On September 13, he will face the undefeated Terence Crawford (41-0), a matchup that might mark his final appearance in the ring.
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This fight is part of the four-bout deal he signed with Riyadh Season and Turki Al-Sheikh, yet his underwhelming showing against Scull has fueled doubts about whether Canelo can continue competing at the sport’s highest level.
Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has been among the most vocal figures suggesting that Canelo may be preparing for retirement. In a recent press conference, Hearn commented candidly on the Mexican’s future:
“I think the fight with Crawford will be his last fight. There is no official word, and I haven’t spoken to him directly, but after seeing the fight with David Avanesyan, who was incredibly negative—after Crawford, what else is there?” He said.
Does Canelo even want this fight?
There are growing indications that Canelo was not particularly eager to face Crawford. Some reports suggest that the Mexican champion never truly viewed it as a legacy-defining bout, considering Crawford’s rise from lighter weight divisions.
“He’s never really liked the fight because I think he thinks, ‘Why would I get credit for beating someone three divisions below—two divisions now?’” Hearn explained. “Crawford moves well, he’s tricky, and it’s going to be difficult. But obviously, the money is massive, so Canelo will take the fight. I think it’s the training camps that will eventually push him to retire—it’s a huge strain on the body.”
Canelo: A legacy on the line
Regardless of motivations, the clash between Canelo and Crawford is poised to be a pivotal moment in modern boxing. Whether it becomes the final chapter of Canelo’s illustrious journey or merely another milestone depends on both the outcome and how Canelo feels when the final bell rings.
