The return of Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez is official.
The Mexican icon lost his undisputed super middleweight crown to Terence Crawford in September of last year. Waving off any talk of retirement, he was understood to be targeting a rematch before the American pound-for-pound star announced his own hanging up of the gloves. Canelo, it has now been confirmed, will fight on without the opportunity for revenge.
Speaking on social media when making the announcement, Saudi Arabia’s Chairman of General Entertainment Authority and boxing power broker, Turki Alalshikh, confirmed the date, location and high stakes.
“The 12th of September, a big, big, big fight. And this will be the first card for Canelo Promotions. It will be named ‘Mexico Against the World.’ All the fighters from the team of Canelo against the world. And [Alvarez] in the main event [for] a world title, and it will be a surprise in Saudi Arabia, in sha Allah.”
‼️ BREAKING: Canelo to return in September ‼️
His Excellency Turki Alalshikh announces that Canelo Alvarez will return on September 12th in a “Mexico against The World” card under his inaugural Canelo Promotions banner in Riyadh 👏 pic.twitter.com/d2objGc2yp
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) January 15, 2026
Canelo remains well ranked with all four sanctioning bodies at super middleweight – number one with the WBO, WBA and WBC and three with the IBF – and will not struggle to land a title shot assuming he chooses to remain in the division.
With Crawford retiring, the gold has been scattered and orders are already in place for contenders to battle for the vacant belts. Hamzah Sheeraz sits in pole position, being given the choice to face Christian Mbilli for the WBC or Diego Pacheco for the WBO. Cuba’s Osleys Iglesias will fight for the vacant IBF and awaits the next available ranked fighter after Canelo turned down the opportunity due to not being ready in time.
More information on the main event and undercard is expected in the coming weeks.