Canelo Alvarez On His Future – ‘My Passion Is Stronger’

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Oct 30, 2025 3:36 AM ET

Canelo Alvarez has spoken out following his loss to Terence Crawford by shutting down suggestions he will retire.

Canelo lost his Undisputed Super Middleweight Title to Terence Crawford last month, as he experienced the third loss of his career. The defeat has damaged his leverage somewhat, although there are still some big fights out there. He could take the Crawford rematch, but another loss would increase the calls on him to retire. There is also the David Benavidez fight, but once again, a loss would do the same. The Benavidez fight is also not as big as what it could have been after Canelo’s loss. Canelo recently had elbow surgery, as he is expected to return in 2026. He still has the passion to continue boxing.

“20 years in, I still feel the same fire I had when I first stepped into the ring. Every victory and every challenge has made me who I am today. I’m deeply grateful to my family, fans and to Mexico — you’ve been my strength and my inspiration since day one. Everything I’ve achieved, I carry with the pride of my people. The fight continues, and my passion is stronger than ever,” Canelo said

The Choice

Despite the loss, the long-demanded fight against David Benavidez remains the biggest payday and the most defining matchup left. By continuing, Canelo gives fans a chance to see him compete against the elite of his era, potentially restoring his reputation with a definitive win. His scheduled 2026 return after elbow surgery also gives him crucial time to heal and re-strategize, which could extend his run at the top.

The argument for Canelo’s immediate retirement centers on legacy preservation and avoiding unnecessary physical damage after two decades in the sport. At 35, Canelo has significant “miles on the clock” from a highly active career. Given that he has already accomplished everything, retiring now would allow him to walk away on his own terms as an all-time great.

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: