Canelo Returns To Training

The dream of a Crawford rematch—and the chance to reclaim his Undisputed Super Middleweight Title—evaporated in December when Crawford announced his retirement. Trainer Eddy Reynoso confirmed that Team Canelo is eyeing a return for the 2026 Mexican Independence Day weekend. This patient approach comes at a cost, however; by sitting out the first half of the year, Canelo was forced to pass on a fight for the vacant IBF title against Osleys Iglesias.

For the first time in a decade, Canelo finds himself without a world title and without a “mega-fight” on the horizon. At 35 years old, with 68 professional fights, the boxing world is asking the same question: How much is left in the tank?

The Eye Test

For the first time, Canelo looked genuinely frustrated by speed and ring IQ of Crawford, unable to close the distance or dictate the pace. His body seemed to “betray” him, as he admitted in the post-fight press conference that his “body just didn’t let me go anymore.” The surgery on the left elbow is significant because that is Canelo’s “power” arm.

Canelo’s left hook and jab are the foundations of his offense. If the recovery doesn’t go to plan, he will struggle. The statistics show a steady drop in his punch volume. He has transitioned from a high-pressure combination puncher to a “one-shot” headhunter. This worked against overmatched opponents like Edgar Berlanga, but elite movers like Crawford or Bivol have exposed this lack of activity.

YouTube: Little Giant Boxing

Despite 68 fights, Canelo has never been knocked down. His chin remains one of the greatest in the history of the sport. As long as he can take a punch, he is a danger to anyone because his power is usually the last thing to leave. Canelo’s recent losses have come against all-time greats (Bivol at a higher weight and Crawford). If he faces a high-level but “standard” contender in September 2026, he will likely still be the favorite.