Terence Crawford vs. Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez II - Who wins a rematch?

[Ruthless-RKO]

Canelo Alvarez reveals return plan as he eyes stunning Terence Crawford rematch with talks underway

Canelo Alvarez has now suggested he wants a shot at revenge against Terence Crawford in 2026.

The Mexican was comprehensively outclassed in his huge showdown with Crawford in September, which saw him dethroned as undisputed super-middleweight champion.

It was a crossroads for the Mexican superstar who is now facing a new challenge, getting back on track after a seven-year streak of holding a title.

Initially, it appeared that the pair would move on from their rivalry given the largely one-sided nature of the first clash.

But now Alvarez has bravely suggested he is ready for redemption in 2026.

That is according to Mexican outlet TV Azteca, who declared preliminary talks were already being held.

They wrote: "Before the end of 2025, Canelo Alvarez was on a visit to TV Azteca in his home and talked about the plans for the next year, where he will embark on different sports projects.

"In addition, he reiterated that his priority above the ring is the rematch against Terence Crawford, who is already negotiating, and wants to accommodate the place."

It will be an uphill battle for Alvarez if he is to turn around the momentum and become the first fighter to beat Crawford.

Alvarez was also linked with a UK showdown with Chris Eubank Jr, but the Briton was beaten by Conor Benn in their rematch and it appears Crawford is one of his only options.

What is next for Terence Crawford and will he fight Canelo again?
As for Crawford, he has yet to commit his next move and has not commented publicly on a sequel with Alvarez.

Immediately after his victory, Crawford teased both retirement and a move to 160lbs.

Since then, Crawford has indicated he is indeed open to making new history in the new weight class.

And he suggested his most likely return option could well be against unified middleweight world champion Janibek Alimkhanuly, who he is open to facing in March.

Can Canelo beat Crawford?
On viewing the maiden clash, Alvarez will need to show drastic improvement and put in a career-best display to better Crawford.

But his worrying admission after the clash makes it an even harder task to pick the Mexican if the pair touch gloves again.

He said: “We knew Crawford is a great fighter. I did what I was supposed to do I tried every way.

"I tried very hard. He deserves all the credit. I tried my best.

"I just couldn’t figure out his style. He has everything.”

Alvarez has completed it all in boxing, but is expected to complete his four-fight deal with Turki Alalshikh before considering retirement.

And a new shot at Crawford could well be one last hoorah at leaving the sport on top.

[stujones]

Canelo is as shot as Eubank Jnr I feel.

[MPW]

Another UD for Crawford in a pointless rematch. I just don't think there's anything Alvarez can do that will change the outcome.

[2236729]

Canelo Alvarez reveals return plan as he eyes stunning Terence Crawford rematch with talks underway geometry dash scratch

Canelo Alvarez has now suggested he wants a shot at revenge against Terence Crawford in 2026.

The Mexican was comprehensively outclassed in his huge showdown with Crawford in September, which saw him dethroned as undisputed super-middleweight champion.

It was a crossroads for the Mexican superstar who is now facing a new challenge, getting back on track after a seven-year streak of holding a title.

Initially, it appeared that the pair would move on from their rivalry given the largely one-sided nature of the first clash.

But now Alvarez has bravely suggested he is ready for redemption in 2026.

That is according to Mexican outlet TV Azteca, who declared preliminary talks were already being held.

They wrote: "Before the end of 2025, Canelo Alvarez was on a visit to TV Azteca in his home and talked about the plans for the next year, where he will embark on different sports projects.

"In addition, he reiterated that his priority above the ring is the rematch against Terence Crawford, who is already negotiating, and wants to accommodate the place."

It will be an uphill battle for Alvarez if he is to turn around the momentum and become the first fighter to beat Crawford.

Alvarez was also linked with a UK showdown with Chris Eubank Jr, but the Briton was beaten by Conor Benn in their rematch and it appears Crawford is one of his only options.

What is next for Terence Crawford and will he fight Canelo again?
As for Crawford, he has yet to commit his next move and has not commented publicly on a sequel with Alvarez.

Immediately after his victory, Crawford teased both retirement and a move to 160lbs.

Since then, Crawford has indicated he is indeed open to making new history in the new weight class.

And he suggested his most likely return option could well be against unified middleweight world champion Janibek Alimkhanuly, who he is open to facing in March.

Can Canelo beat Crawford?
On viewing the maiden clash, Alvarez will need to show drastic improvement and put in a career-best display to better Crawford.

But his worrying admission after the clash makes it an even harder task to pick the Mexican if the pair touch gloves again.

He said: “We knew Crawford is a great fighter. I did what I was supposed to do I tried every way.

"I tried very hard. He deserves all the credit. I tried my best.

"I just couldn’t figure out his style. He has everything.”

Alvarez has completed it all in boxing, but is expected to complete his four-fight deal with Turki Alalshikh before considering retirement.

And a new shot at Crawford could well be one last hoorah at leaving the sport on top.

Crawford really moved up two divisions, no RE-hydration clauses, no catch weight, maintained his speed, and put on the performance of a lifetime against the undisputed champion of the last 4 years in that weight class. Bud should take advantage of all of these new eyes and fans from the biggest flatform and fight 1 or two more times before retiring.

[Coco]

I fancied Canelo for the first one but now I'd go for Crawford 100%
Can't see the result changing

[Taansend]

I was 60/40 for Canelo in the first as I didn't know how the weight would affect Bud.

It didn't matter & I have no interest in a rematch.

I think Canelo is done at top top level. Since Bivol every fighter he's beaten (outpointed) has either been stopped or not fought again.

I know it's tough for this level of blokes* to admit it's gone (Roy Jones, Ali, Leonard and possibly AJ) but it's usually sad to watch as a fan.

* - I am not saying AJ is on Ali, Sugar Ray or Jones's level skillwise but he was one of the biggest draws at his peak, like the others.

[paultom]

I picked Crawford first time and i'd pick him again but more conclusively

[TheLeprechaun]

Nobody is picking Canelo in this one.

[stujones]

Maybe contrary to the opinion of many. I think Crawford is on the slide and I didn’t think he was particularly special in fight 1, but Canelo is done and Crawford looked comfortable at Super Middle.

[MPW]

Maybe contrary to the opinion of many. I think Crawford is on the slide and I didn’t think he was particularly special in fight 1, but Canelo is done and Crawford looked comfortable at Super Middle.

Interesting observation. We all suspected Alvarez was on the slide, and it was just a matter of how much. Crawford exposed that Alvarez is a long way from the fighter he used to be and didn't have to do anything truly special to win the bout. So, it's hard to gauge if Crawford, who did look comfortable at SMW, is slipping or not based on this performance because he didn't need to do anything out of the ordinary - for him - to get the victory.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Canelo disappointed Crawford retired without rematch

Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford came face-to-face last week in Egypt, but it wasn’t for a much-desired rematch the Mexican star has been seeking.

The photo-op at the Pyramids of Giza was too good to pass up, unlike how Crawford passed on a lucrative sequel by retiring in December at 38, a development that has left Alvarez disappointed.

“That's sad, because I think the people deserve the rematch. But you know, things happen and I am going to look forward to my career,” Alvarez told reporters.

Crawford (42-0, 31 KOs) beat Alvarez (63-3-2, 39 KOs) in September by unanimous decision, stepping up two weight classes to claim the undisputed super middleweight crown.

“I learned a lot,” Alvarez said. “I learned my lesson, and this time I took the time to take care of my body, my injuries, and all my stuff. I feel great. I can't wait to come back. I'm ready now.”

Following left elbow surgery in October, Alvarez is now set to challenge WBC champion Christian Mbilli (29-0-1, 24 KOs) on September 12 to headline a “Mexico vs. The World” card in Saudi Arabia.

“He's a good fighter. He comes forward. He throws a lot of punches. He's young, and we are going to find out,” said Alvarez.
While Alvarez finds himself in unfamiliar territory as a contender, the rest of the field is jockeying for position for a crack at challenging the cash cow.

“Every single boxer from every division, they are calling me out,” said Alvarez. “I am not surprised [David Benavidez is still calling me out]. It's nothing new for me, but Benavidez did good in the fight [against Gilberto Ramirez]. I don't think he can make 175 anymore, but it's not my problem.

“I'm disciplined, and that's the most important, and I am always motivated because I love boxing. I love my sport and every time I step in the ring I break records. That motivates me … I achieved pretty much everything in boxing, but I still enjoy it.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

Terence Crawford’s trainer ‘BoMac’ says Canelo’s big mistake cost him a rematch: “It’s his fault”

Last September, Terence Crawford dethroned Canelo Alvarez in an iconic win that will be forever etched into the history of boxing, but despite Canelo’s continuous call-outs, a rematch never has or will take place. Now, Crawford’s trainer, Brian ‘BoMac’ McIntyre, has explained why.

Crawford got his hands on the undisputed welterweight title before reports of a three-weight jump and a showdown with undisputed super-middleweight champion, Canelo, began to emerge.

On his way up to 168lbs. ‘Bud’ trumped Israil Madrimov to claim the WBA super-welterweight world title but then made the leap up into Canelo’s division and became the first man to defeat the Mexican superstar at his natural weight, outthinking and outboxing Alvarez in a career-best win.

Almost immediately, Canelo called for a rematch, but the Omaha southpaw instead opted to vacate all four of the super-middleweight marbles and retire from the sport, with his 42-fight undefeated record intact.

Since then, Crawford has refused to be tempted into a return, despite receiving a lucrative offer in order to collide with Canelo for a second time. On ‘The Last Stand Podcast with Brian Custer’, McIntyre said Alvarez was at fault for never inserting a rematch clause into the contract.

“I believe that the champion has the option to say that he wants a rematch [clause], but it was never brought up. It was never in the contract, so that is his fault, it ain’t ours.”

Canelo has shared a similar opinion during the aftermath of the defeat, admitting that it was a mistake on his part to not insert a rematch-clause into the contract of the fight.

[gilgamesh]

Another UD for Crawford in a pointless rematch. I just don't think there's anything Alvarez can do that will change the outcome.

He could fight like he's the stronger man, and not try to outbox the smaller man. He didn't try that at all the 1st time.

For the record I don't think Canelo would win the rematch, but I think people are jumping the gun a little by suggesting he's washed up, and has nothing left. He's not what he once was, but he's not shot yet either I don't think, he's just at that point in his career where his people need to be very careful with how they match him.

The day I see him get beaten up by a come forward slugger is the day I'll know he's finished completely.

[MPW]

Another UD for Crawford in a pointless rematch. I just don't think there's anything Alvarez can do that will change the outcome.

He could fight like he's the stronger man, and not try to outbox the smaller man. He didn't try that at all the 1st time.

For the record I don't think Canelo would win the rematch, but I think people are jumping the gun a little by suggesting he's washed up, and has nothing left. He's not what he once was, but he's not shot yet either I don't think, he's just at that point in his career where his people need to be very careful with how they match him.

The day I see him get beaten up by a come forward slugger is the day I'll know he's finished completely.

I agree with you that he's not washed up and has nothing left. Even if he is on the downward slope of his career, Alvarez is still a really good fighter. As such, I am curious to see how the bout with Mbilli goes and find out how a 36-year-old Alvarez performs against a younger (31), high-volume pressure fighter.