Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for Netflix

Canelo Alvarez’s 2026 boxing return in doubt after major update on elbow surgery

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Ross Markey | Last updated Oct 8, 2025 11:41 AM ET

Former world champion Canelo Alvarez may not be returning to the ring as soon as initially targeted.

Set to go under the knife later this month, Canelo Alvarez will undergo a procedure to address a long-standing elbow injury, addressing wear-and-tear over the course of his decorated career.

And while not an injury sustained in his undisputed super middleweight title fight loss to Terence Crawford a month ago, the Mexican star is eager to address the niggling setback in a bid to pave a way for another title charge.

However, with a sustained spell on the sidelines expected, an initially planned return for Canelo in the early part of next year has now been thrown up in the air.

Photo by Chris Unger/TKO Worldwide LLC via Getty Images

Canelo Alvarez facing a possible longer career layoff

Linked with a whole host of matchups in his return to the ring as part of a potential career swan song, Canelo has even been tied to a career-first trip to England to compete at Wembley Stadium.

However, set to continue his relationship with Saudi royal adviser Turki Alalshikh next year, Canelo’s planned return to the ring as soon as February may come a tad too early.

According to Dan Rafael, the Jalisco star is facing a potential sidelining until the springtime of next year 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 urged to make major camp change in return

Without a championship around his waist for the first time in seven years, off the back of his loss to Crawford, the Mexican must return to the drawing board.

However, as far as a long-time critic and previous close friend of Canelo is concerned, wholesale changes will need to be introduced in order for him to reach the pinnacle of the sport.

And the main change in question would see Canelo ditch a relationship spanning a 20-year history.

This article first appeared on Bloody Elbow and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: