Saul “Canelo” Alvarez will be sidelined following elbow surgery, according to a report by Mike Coppinger of The Ring. The Mexican superstar, who lost a unanimous decision to Terence “Bud” Crawford on September 13, had initially been expected to return in February 2026.
That comeback has now been delayed. *“I’m told that he’s going to have elbow surgery,” *Coppinger revealed on Inside The Ring, adding that the news was confirmed by Turki Alalshikh.
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Alvarez signed a four-fight deal with Riyadh Season earlier this year and was set to headline his third bout under that contract early next year. Instead, his next appearance is now projected for the second or third quarter of 2026, leaving April through September as potential windows, including his traditional Cinco de Mayo and Mexican Independence Day dates.
The delay leaves a major gap in the Saudi boxing schedule. To fill that space, Alalshikh is reportedly eyeing a February supercard featuring David Benavidez and Devin Haney, provided they impress in their November bouts. Benavidez defends his WBC light heavyweight belt against Anthony Yarde, while Haney moves up to challenge WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr.
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