Canelo Alvarez undergoes elbow surgery: excuse or reality after the loss to Crawford?

Canelo Alvarez’s loss to Terence Crawford is still making noise—and not just because of what happened inside the ring. The Mexican fighter, who was soundly beaten at Allegiant Stadium, is set to undergo elbow surgery that will sideline him for five to six months. The news, confirmed by outlets like Marca, has reignited the debate over whether his physical condition played a decisive role in the fight.

Crawford controlled the bout from start to finish, further cementing his status as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the sport. Still, the announcement of Canelo Alvarez’s surgery opened the door to speculation. Was his lack of offensive output due to pain in the elbow? Or is this just a convenient explanation for a defeat that, given the context and expectations, ranks among the toughest of his career?

Physical setbacks

This isn’t the first time Canelo Alvarez has dealt with physical issues. After his trilogy with Gennady Golovkin, he underwent wrist surgery and returned in 2023 to reassert his place as a boxing icon. But this new injury comes at a more fragile moment. At 35, with an active contract under Riyadh Season that includes at least two more fights, fans are beginning to wonder if the end is closer than it seems.

🚨 Canelo is undergoing elbow surgery and will not return until mid-to-late 2026

He was originally scheduled to fight again in February, per Ring Magazine pic.twitter.com/QKhvZNX7d7

— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) September 29, 2025

Some analysts believe Canelo Alvarez should take a tune-up fight before facing another elite opponent. Others, more bluntly, suggest it may be time to consider retirement. His legacy isn’t in question, but his present certainly is. The surgery not only halts his calendar—it puts his narrative on hold.

Crossroads

Meanwhile, Terence Crawford is enjoying the summit. His win not only solidified his position as a top-tier fighter, but also left Canelo Alvarez at a crossroads. The Mexican champion has built a career on discipline, pride, and resilience. Now, with surgery looming, he’ll have to prove there’s still more left in the tank.

The question isn’t whether Canelo Alvarez can return. The question is how, when, and against whom.