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Canelo Alvarez faces delayed 2026 return after elbow surgery and long recovery plan

Originally posted on HITC | By Ross Markey | Last updated Oct 8, 2025 4:04 PM ET

Canelo Alvarez’s return to the ring looks set to be delayed longer than expected.

The former world champion is scheduled to have surgery later this month to address a long-standing elbow issue, one that’s been bothering him for years.

Though the injury wasn’t picked up during his recent loss to Terence Crawford, Canelo is keen to sort it out now, hoping it will clear the path for another shot at a title.

But with a lengthy recovery period ahead, plans for an early-year return are now uncertain.

Extended break possible for Canelo Alvarez as recovery timeline unclear

Canelo Alvarez has been linked to several possible matchups as he considers the final stages of his career, including a potential first fight in England at Wembley Stadium. Despite these rumours, his return may take longer than expected.

Set to continue working with Saudi royal adviser Turki Alalshikh next year, Canelo’s hoped-for comeback in February could end up being too soon.

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Dan Rafael recently reported that the Jalisco native might not be ready until spring at the earliest.

“He’s (Canelo Alvarez) is having loose particles cleaned up out of that elbow, that’ll probably put him on the shelf for a couple of months,” Rafael told Boxing News. “I think it’s questionable if you ask me — or maybe aggressive if you think he’ll be back in the ring by February.

“…I don’t think he’s gonna be in any hurry to get back in the ring,” Rafael explained. “Number one, you wanna make sure you’re healthy. Number two — not that this has even been a case with Canelo, but there may be less of a need to get back right away. …I would think more closer to the springtime, perhaps even in the summer.”

Canelo Alvarez told to make a big camp change when he returns

Now without a title for the first time in seven years after his defeat to Crawford, the Mexican has some real decisions to make about what comes next.

But according to a former friend and long-time critic, it will take more than just minor adjustments for Canelo to climb back to the top of boxing.

And that main change would mean ending a relationship that’s been in place for two decades.

While staying loyal, however, questions have been asked about Reynoso’s ability – especially following Canelo’s unanimous decision loss against Dmitry Bivol in May 2022.

And speaking on this recent setback against Crawford, Malignaggi believes Canelo will need wholesale changes – including a parting of ways with his coach.

“He (Canelo Alvarez) stayed loyal even after the Bivol loss,” Malignaggi said. I think now is definitely the time. He had another loss again. Not only did he lose – he was absolutely destroyed from start to finish.”

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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