What Is Canelo Alvarez’s Next Move?

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Dec 25, 2025 12:43 AM ET

The IBF is moving forward with plans to fill its vacant super middleweight title following the official retirement of Terence Crawford.

The sanctioning body has confirmed that it will first contact the division’s top-ranked contenders, Osleys Iglesias (No. 1) and Canelo Alvarez (No. 3), to negotiate a fight for the vacant strap. Canelo is currently sidelined as he recovers from elbow surgery following his unanimous decision loss to Crawford in September, a defeat that officially ended his era as the undisputed king of the 168-pound division.

Canelo’s trainer and manager, Eddy Reynoso, has already confirmed that Canelo will skip his traditional Cinco de Mayo return in 2026, aiming instead for a comeback in September 2026 to coincide with Mexican Independence Day weekend. This was after their plans to rematch Crawford failed due to his retirement.

“Every fighter know this moment will come. We just never know when. I used to spend my whole life chasing something. Not belts, not money, not headlines, but that feeling, the one you get when the world doubts you. But you keep showing up and you keep proving everyone wrong. This sport gave me everything. I fought for my family, I fought for my city, I fought for the kid I used to be – the one who had nothing but a dream and a pair of gloves. And I did it all my way,” Crawford stated

Meanwhile, Iglesias solidified his position as the mandatory challenger in September with an eighth-round stoppage of Vladimir Shishkin. Iglesias has been on a tear, stopping his last eight opponents and establishing himself as the division’s most avoided “boogeyman.”

The IBF

The IBF typically requires vacant title fights to happen within a specific window, as Canelo’s long recovery likely means he will have to decline this immediate invitation. If Canelo passes, the IBF is expected to move down its rankings to find a replacement for Iglesias. High-ranking names like Jaime Munguia (No. 4) or Callum Simpson (No. 5) could be next in line, though rumors have also linked Iglesias to a high-profile clash against Bruno Surace.

“The International Boxing Federation (IBF) received official confirmation on December 23, that Terrence Crawford has retired from the ring, thus relinquishing the IBF Super Middleweight title. Crawford’s achievements in boxing are remarkable, and the IBF is proud that he was our champion.

“His legacy, marked by his dedication and relentless pursuit for greatness, will inspire many boxers for years to come. We congratulate Terrence Crawford on an exceptional and extraordinary career and wish him well in his future pursuits. The IBF will proceed to request availability and order the two leading available contenders in the IBF Super Middleweight rankings to negotiate for the vacant title,” IBF

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

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