Learn why Canelo is in decline overall in recent years as he attempts to have a 2026 comeback after the Crawford loss.
Terence Crawford had never been anywhere near super-middleweight until last year.
He was moving up two weights to fight Canelo Alvarez and schooled him easy by UD on points to beat Alvarez.
But the writing has been on the wall for Canelo for a while going back to the Bivol defeat and other flat performances.
Here’s what we know ahead of his comeback later this year.
- Canelo lost to Terence Crawford by unanimous decision on Sep 13, 2025 in Las Vegas. Judges: 116-112, 115-113, 115-113.
- Crawford became undisputed super middleweight champion with the win.
- Crawford was the quicker, more athletic fighter through the first 8 rounds.
- Canelo admitted he “couldn’t figure out” Crawford’s style post-fight.
- In May 2026, Canelo said of the loss: “It is what it is… you have to move forward, learn from the mistakes”.
- Canelo’s record is now 63-3-2. He was 35 for the Crawford fight.
- Round 9 punch stats: Crawford landed 33 punches to Canelo’s 10.
- Canelo has 1 KO since Nov 2021. His last 7 fights before Crawford all went 12 rounds.
- Speed/movement were the issues: Crawford controlled tempo with jab, combos, and ring IQ.
- No opponent for later in 2026 is officially announced as of May 8, 2026.
In some of his other wins in recent years as well against Berlanga, Munguia and John Ryder Alvarez has shown continued deterioration compared to where he used to be.
The explosive knockout artist and boxer that whopped Amir Khan, that gave Gennady Golovkin great battles, that beat Cotto, that knocked out Kovalev.
The last five years or so have shown a steady decline in him.
He returns later this year but against an opponent he should be beating easily so who knows what fights will be there for him.
Canelo Alvarez was seen recently at the Munguia fight very emotional.
